April is National Oral Health Month™ and the Canadian Dental Association (CDA) wishes to remind Canadians about the importance of good dental health. Oral diseases, including oral cancer, are serious threats to your health and keeping a healthy mouth is an important part of leading a healthy life.
“The best way to make sure that your mouth stays healthy is to see your dentist for regular preventive dental exams,” says CDA President Dr. Ron G. Smith. “Whether you take good care of your teeth, wear dentures or have dental implants, the dentist can see things you will not and can help you prevent disease.” Regular dental exams allow your dentist to diagnose any problems and to take preventive action to stop problems before they lead to serious health issues. A dental exam is also an opportunity to talk to your dentist and ask questions about your oral health.
Oral disease, like any other disease, requires treatment. According to Health Canada, oral cancer is one of the common cancers in Canada. The good news is that oral cancer can be successfully treated if caught at an early stage. Your dentist understands the treatment alternatives available to you and can help you make informed decisions about your dental care.
Along with your dentist, you also play an important role in maintaining good dental health and in preventing oral disease. Brush your teeth twice a day and floss once a day, limit food and beverages with a high sugar or acid content in your diet and avoid all tobacco products. After flossing, roll it up in a tiny ball and put it in the garbage. Never flush floss down the toilet. Finally, if you see or feel anything irregular in your mouth, talk to your dentist immediately.
The Canadian Dental Association is the national voice for dentistry, dedicated to the advancement and leadership of a unified profession and to the promotion of optimal dental health, an essential component of general health. Visit www.cda-adc.ca for information about your dental health.
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For more information contact:
Canadian Dental Association
(613) 523-1770 ext 2213
media@cda-adc.ca
