You Can’t Handle The Tooth!
Why a healthy body starts with a healthy smile.
We all know the phrase you are what you eat. We are made of what we put into our body. Our mouths being the pearly white gates at the entrance to the temple that is our body. But if we don’t keep those gates clean, the dirt in our teeth is likely to spread.
Did you know there is a connection between your oral health and overall physical health? Research shows poor oral hygiene can not only lead to a decaying smile, but also heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and more. The same foods that degrade the inside our bodies, also degrades our teeth and gums. Therefore looking at the state of someone’s mouth is a good indicator of their overall health. South Porcupine Dental would like you to know there are preventative, and restorative actions you can take to reduce these issues… and it’s going to be pretty obvious, but sometimes we all just need a little reminder.
KNOWING THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF POOR HYGIENE
Before talking about how to keep your mouth clean, you need to know why it’s important to keep it clean, and recognize the signs and symptoms of Gingivitis and Periodontal disease. We all know about plaque, the sticky film growing on our teeth. It’s filled with bacteria that irritate our gums making them red and more likely to bleed. If your gums bleed easily when brushing, or flossing, it is likely a sign of gingivitis, which if left untreated, can lead to periodontitis; an infection between the spaces of your teeth and gums that is often painless at first. If untreated your teeth may become loose, fall out, or require removal by a dentist. Here are a few more reasons to book an appointment with South Porcupine Dental:
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Bad breath that doesn’t go away
- Pus between your teeth and gums
- Loose or separating teeth
- a change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
- a change in the fit of partial dentures
THE CONNECTION BETWEEN SMILE AND BODY
If the entrance to your home is covered in dirt, whatever comes through the door is more likely to spread that dirt around your house. The same goes for your mouth and body. If you have a build-up of bad bacteria or infection in your mouth, it may be letting other bad bacteria and germs into your body. On the reverse side, diseases like diabetes, blood cell disorders, or HIV lower the body’s resistance to infection. That means infection in your mouth will grow even easier, making it critical for patients to keep their mouths extra clean.
WHAT YOU CAN DO – THE OBVIOUS SOLUTION
- Brush your teeth well twice a day! In addition, you should floss or use another between-the-teeth cleaner once a day. Consider also using an antimicrobial (germ-fighting) mouth-rinse every day.
- Choose dental products that have the Canadian Dental Association Seal of Acceptance.
- Schedule a visit to the dentist. Regular oral examinations and routine cleanings are just a few of the general care services offered at South Porcupine Dental.
- Tell your dentist about changes in your overall health, like any recent illnesses or ongoing conditions, or medications.
- Don’t smoke or chew tobacco. If you use tobacco, talk with your dentist about options for quitting.
- Manage dry mouth. Too little saliva in the mouth can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. If you think you may have dry mouth, talk with your dentist about ways to manage it.
Remember, the best action is prevention. No matter how well you take care of your teeth and gums at home, the biggest difference is made by a visit to the dentist. Let the professionals give your mouth a full cleaning and inspection on a regular basis.  South Porcupine Dental cares about your smile, and your health!
South Porcupine Dental
4858 Hwy 101 East, South Porcupine,
Ontario, P0N 1K0, Canada
Phone: 705-235-5000
Website:Â www.southporcupinedental.ca