Your mouth and the rest of your health

Tooth decay and gum disease are among the most common chronic conditions, and among the most preventable. Poor oral health is also linked with problems elsewhere — uncontrolled gum disease can make diabetes harder to manage, and dental infections can become serious if ignored.

The daily basics

• Brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, two minutes each time, including along the gumline. Spit, don't rinse, so the fluoride keeps working.
• Clean between your teeth once a day with floss or interdental brushes.
• Limit sugary foods and drinks, especially sipped slowly over time.
• Don't smoke or vape — both drive gum disease and oral cancer risk.

Don't ignore these

Gums that bleed regularly, persistent bad breath, loose teeth, a tooth that reacts to hot, cold or biting, a cracked tooth, or a sore or lump in the mouth that lasts more than two weeks. These are all easier and cheaper to treat early.

Check-ups and cost

Most people benefit from a dental exam and cleaning every 6 to 12 months. If cost is a barrier, look into the Canadian Dental Care Plan and Ontario's public dental programs, dental-hygiene and dental-school clinics, and professionals who offer reduced fees — on AffordableHealth.ca you can be matched with a verified dentist who works within your budget. A check-up now is far cheaper than an emergency later: a small cavity is a filling; the same cavity ignored can become a root canal, a crown, or an extraction.

Sources

• Canadian Dental Association — Your oral health
• Ontario — Dental care
• CDC — Oral health basics