Every year in April, dental professionals observe Oral Health Month, a month to raise awareness of oral health issues and the steps required to keep Canadians’ mouths healthy and smiling. Oral Health Month also coincides with Oral Cancer Awareness Month, where Canadians are encouraged to check their mouth and gums for early warning signs of oral cancer.  

Oral cancer is a growing concern for many Canadians and is top of mind for our team during any dental appointments. At our Winnipeg clinics, we have a policy to conduct cancer screenings at your hygiene and check-up appointments, for both new and returning patients. This specialized screening is above and beyond what can be diagnosed when a dental professional notices an obviously troubled area.  

If you want to celebrate Oral Health Month along with us, it’s as easy as counting to five! The Canadian Dental Association recommends following these simple steps to follow for a healthy mouth:

1. Keep your mouth clean

It’s very important to floss every day alongside brushing twice a day. Brush your teeth for approximately two minutes using fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush, and floss top and bottom, between all your teeth.  

For a more thorough clean, try using a Curapox Interdental Brush. These toothbrushes are specifically measured and developed to fit the space between your teeth, and won’t wear down as quickly as a regular toothbrush. With plenty of research behind them to show effectiveness in reducing inflammation and bleeding, it’s our top choice in manual toothbrushes (you can also purchase them at your next dental appointment at our Garden City location).

Remember: it’s important to wait at least 30 minutes after eating before you brush.  

2. Check your mouth regularly

Periodontitis (or gum disease) has some easy-to-spot early visual warning signs. When you’re brushing, make sure you watch out for:

• Red, shiny, puffy, sore or sensitive gums

• Bleeding when you brush or floss

• Lingering bad breath

It's also important to keep an eye out for more serious symptoms that could indicate the presence of oral cancer. These symptoms include:  

• Sores or bleeding that doesn’t heal on its own

• White or red patches in your mouth that persist for more than 10-14 days

• Numbness or tingling

• Small lumps and/or thickening on your tongue, mouth or gums.

3. Choose healthy food and drinks

Proper nutrition helps keep your teeth strong and your gums healthy. Try to limit your intake of foods or drinks with lots of sugar, salt, carbohydrates or saturated fats. When you’re drinking, choose water whenever you can – water helps to rinse away tooth-damaging bacteria from your mouth.  

You can also munch on snacks that are beneficial to your oral health (check out our Instagram for some mouth-watering and tooth-friendly recipes).

4. Limit alcohol and avoid tobacco and vaping

You probably already know that tobacco use (whether smoking or smokeless) can affect the appearance of your teeth and gums, but did you know that it also remains the leading cause of preventable death in Canada? By reducing alcohol consumption and quitting tobacco or vaping you can significantly reduce your likelihood of developing a wide range of severe and life-threatening health conditions.

5. Visit your dentist regularly

When it comes to the detection and prevention of oral health issues, there’s no better defense than visiting your dentist every 6-months for a regular cleaning and check-up. But remember: if you’re experiencing pain or discomfort in your mouth, don’t wait for your next appointment, contact us right away. We can help you decide if you need to come in for an urgent visit.  

Luckily, booking with us is just a click away – use the orange Book Online button to schedule your next appointment today.  

Happy Oral Health Month, and see you at your next appointment!

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