One of the most important things you can do for your total health is to take care of your teeth and gums.
There is a growing body of research that supports a link between oral diseases and diabetes, heart disease, stroke, lung diseases and pre-term, low-birth-weight babies.
In addition, periodontal (gum) disease is an infectious disease that may be transmitted from one person to another.
Women who are considering pregnancy or who are pregnant should see their dental hygienist as an important part of prenatal care.
Start by using a good brushing and flossing technique.
The basics: hold the toothbrush bristles at a 45-degree to the gums and “wiggle” the brush softly to work the bristles around the gums and then draw the bristles over each couple of teeth.
Repeat five to eight times per area covering two to three teeth.
Look into the mirror to make sure that you don’t miss any areas.
Using dental floss after brushing is a very necessary part of oral hygiene.
Flossing not only removes food particles and plaque between the teeth but also introduces oxygen into the area.
Oxygen deactivates the disease-causing plaque and prevents them from invading the tissue.
To learn more about how your oral health contributes to your total well-being, make an appointment for cleaning and review of your dental health.
Call 604-883-2997 for an appointment with a registered dental hygienist at the dental office of Dr. Robert Hynd in the Pender Harbour & District Health Centre.
