April is Oral Health Month, a chance to re-examine the small, everyday choices that shape us, and how they affect our oral health.
Healthy teeth and gums aren’t just about brushing and flossing. Dietary choices can have a big impact on your oral health. As most of us know, sugar in particular can harm your mouth by creating fuel for bacteria there, so try to avoid, or at least be mindful of, the following items:
- Carbonated beverages: they often contain sugar and are also acidic, both of which are bad for tooth enamel.
- Sugary snacks, especially chewy, sticky ones: they can get stuck on or between teeth.
- Sticky starches, such as potato chips, crackers, white breads and pasta: these starches break down into sugars.
- Food and drinks that are high in acid, such as pickles, citrus juices, vinegars and wine.
Just because a food contains acids or natural sugars doesn’t necessarily mean you shouldn’t eat it. Just make sure to hydrate with water after eating to help wash those sugars away.
Some food choices can actually benefit your mouth, including:
- Yogurt and cheese, which contain calcium to support healthy teeth.
- Dark leafy greens, such as spinach, kale and collard greens, which are high in enamel-building calcium.
- Low-sugar, high-protein snacks, such as almonds and other nuts, which help support your teeth and gums.
- Crunchy veggies and fruits, such as apples, which act as natural toothbrushes, sweeping harmful residue off your teeth.
It’s important to pay close attention to your teeth and gums—oral health issues can sometimes be an early warning of a nutritional deficiency. For example:
- Swollen and bleeding gums, even with regular flossing, can be a sign that you’re not getting enough vitamin C.
- A smooth, overly red or painful tongue may mean a vitamin B deficiency.
- More frequent mouth ulcers may signal a lack of iron.
It’s essential to schedule regular appointments with a dental hygienist, whether you’re noticing an issue or not. Beyond routine removal of calculus—hard buildups on the teeth—and plaque, dental hygienists can help spot oral health issues early: ones that might point to a nutritional problem, as well as even more serious conditions such as periodontitis or even cancer. They can also provide tips for improving your oral health, which supports your overall health.
Gingivitis
This mild infection occurs when bacteria build up on the teeth. Your gums may become red and swollen and may bleed easily. It’s estimated that around 70 per cent of Canadians will experience gingivitis in their lifetime. When you don’t brush your teeth thoroughly twice daily, you give bacteria the chance to establish themselves. Because the infection typically isn’t painful, it can go unnoticed without a dental hygienist visit.
Periodontitis
One of the biggest risks associated with gingivitis is that it can progress to periodontitis. This more severe gum infection has noticeable and uncomfortable signs and symptoms, including painful chewing, receding gums, and even loose or shifting teeth that can sometimes fall out. As your gums start to pull away from your teeth, bacteria enter and grow in those pockets, causing the supporting bone to erode.
Vaping and cannabis
Smoking as well as vaping cannabis or nicotine can have a significant impact on your gum health. One major reason for this is that vaping and smoking both dry out your mouth and can cause you to produce less saliva. A dry mouth favours the growth of bacteria and can increase your risk of gingivitis and periodontitis. The smoke or vapour can also irritate the gums themselves, causing them to recede and exposing your tooth enamel to damage and decay.
Gum health is body health
Gum disease affects more than just your mouth. Periodontitis may increase your risk of diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and heart disease. It may even lead to pregnancy complications, including premature delivery and low birth weight.
Kids need toothbrushing support
Usually, children below the age of eight don’t have the dexterity needed to brush their teeth effectively, so they need some form of adult supervision. Like adults, kids should use a soft-bristled toothbrush but with a grain-of-rice-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste if they’re under two years old, and a pea-sized amount if they’re between the ages of three and 10. Cleaning between any contacting teeth with floss, a flossing aid or an interdental brush is also important. While helping your child clean their teeth, take the time to explain what you’re doing and why—the ultimate goal is to help them learn to do it themselves.
Here are some simple ways you can make toothbrushing time more fun:
- Play a two-minute song your kids enjoy in the bathroom to occupy their young minds and get them used to the rhythm and length of time that a proper toothbrushing requires.
- Take your kids shopping for their own toothbrushes. Letting them choose is a way to give them a greater sense of ownership over their oral health.
- Make visits to the dental hygienist fun—let them ask questions and interact and make sure to do something that brings them joy before or after the visit.
- Brush your teeth with your kids. This lets you show them how it’s done, while also making the event a fun bit of family time.
- Encourage older kids to try an interactive brushing app—this gives them some privacy while still directly engaging them and making brushing fun. Many powered toothbrushes have a built-in timer app that helps keep track of their full two minutes.
When you help your kids with toothbrushing, you can also teach them how to watch out for signs of trouble in their mouth. If there’s pink in the sink as they brush, their gums may need more attention. Double-check their flossing to help them stay on track.
Getting kids ready to manage their oral health independently isn’t always easy, but it’s always worth it. Find more toothbrushing tips at dentalhygienecanada.ca/kids.
Seniors and oral health
Our teeth change as we age—sensitivity, root exposure and a faster buildup of plaque are all issues seniors need to consider.
Set up an oral care routine that’s easy to maintain. Building good habits goes a long way to supporting your oral health. It’s important to brush your teeth twice a day, ideally once in the morning and a second time before you go to bed. You should also clean between your teeth daily—your nighttime brush is the perfect moment to work in flossing.
If you find brushing difficult, you can look for ways to make it easier on your hands and wrists. For instance, you can use a powered toothbrush with a larger handle to make brushing less strenuous and more efficient. For cleaning between your teeth, consider using a floss holder or a water flosser, which can be easier than wrapping floss around your fingers.
See your dental hygienist regularly. Regular visits to a dental hygienist are essential for maintaining your oral health. They’ll remove plaque and hard buildup, called calculus, that can lead to gingivitis and periodontitis, and will monitor the health of your teeth and gums. They’ll also provide guidance on proper toothbrushing technique, as well as tips to better care for your oral health.
Look after your dentures. If you have complete or partial dentures, it’s important to maintain them and keep them clean. In fact, dentures require just as much care as your natural teeth. Take them out daily for cleaning and check them for cracks or any signs of weakening. For the health of your gums, you should remove your dentures every night so that you can brush and clean between any natural teeth and let your gums breathe overnight.
Untreated gum disease and cavities can lead to costly treatments. Many of us aren’t getting the professional care we need. A recent oral health survey by Statistics Canada found that 24 per cent of Canadians avoided visiting an oral health professional because of the cost.
More Canadians are eligible for affordable oral health care. The Canadian Dental Care Plan is giving millions of people access to essential preventive care. To be eligible for coverage under the plan, your annual household income must be less than $90,000, you must be a Canadian citizen for tax purposes, and you and your partner must have filed your tax return here in the past year. You also can’t have access to private dental insurance or coverage from a source such as a pension, employment benefits or a student organization.
Good oral health habits and regular appointments with a dental hygienist are investments in your health that will save you money and pay dividends for years to come. Learn more about the benefits of good oral health at www.dentalhygienecanada.ca.
