National Oral Health Month This April, CDA marked National Oral Health Month (NOHM) by highlighting the importance of oral health to overall well-being. This year’s campaign emphasized the role of dentists in guiding patients toward informed decisions, reinforcing preventive care and addressing common misconceptions. Oral Health and Overall Well-Being “Oral health is an integral part of overall health,” says Dr. Joel Antel, CDA president. “In April, we aim to educate Canadians on the importance of evidence-based oral health practices and the value of professional guidance.” Research has demonstrated links between periodontal disease and systemic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and respiratory infections. NOHM is a great opportunity for dentists to reinforce essential habits among patients such as brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, flossing, eating a balanced diet that limits sugar intake and scheduling regular dental visits to monitor oral health and prevent potential issues. By encouraging these fundamental practices, dentists help patients take proactive steps toward maintaining a healthy smile and improving their overall health. Addressing Misinformation and Promoting Reliable Practices In today’s digital landscape, misinformation about oral health is increasingly a problem. Some social media trends promote DIY dental treatments, such as at-home teeth whitening remedies to makeshift orthodontics, which can pose serious risks for the public. As trusted health care providers, dentists are in an ideal position to correct these misconceptions with scientific-based recommendations and provide patients with evidence-based advice. See: bit.ly/4i77GvC 20 | 2025 | Issue 2
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