Tips to Help You Maintain a Healthy Mouth

While many things contribute to a healthy lifestyle, our oral health is often overlooked.  Here are some tips to help you maintain a healthy mouth:

  • Schedule regular visits with your dentist and your dental hygienist.  Pre-booking is encouraged to stay on track.

  • Brush at least twice per day, especially after each meal.  Floss at least once per day.  Make this a part of your bedtime routine.

  • Eat a well-balanced diet.  Remember to include all of the food groups.

  • Have a look at your teeth, gums and the inside of your mouth. Become familiar with your mouth so you will pick up on any changes.

  • Avoid smoking, oral piercings and recreational drugs

  • Practice stress reduction.  Stress can take a toll on our oral, physical and mental health.

  • Always inform your oral health practitioner of any herbal remedies and/or prescription drugs you are taking.

  • Wearing a mouth-guard while playing sports and a night-guard while sleeping offer protection

The inside of your mouth:

Check inside your mouth between visits so you spot anything out of the ordinary.  Be sure to report any changes to your dentist.

Warning signs of gum disease can include:

  • Puffy, red, sore, shiny or sensitive gums

  • Bleeding when you brush

  • Bad breath that doesn’t go away

Warning signs of oral cancer can include:

  • numbness and tingling

  • open sores that don’t go away with 7 – 10 days

  • Unexplained bleeding

  • Lumps or thickening on the bottom or sides of your tongue, cheeks or roof of your mouth.

LifestyleTristan ZiegenhagelOral Health