Dental Hygiene

Your dental hygiene habits are your first line of defence against cavities and a large number of issues and diseases. Read more below about how to keep your mouth healthy, and factors that could be a detriment to your health.

Dental Hygiene for Teens

Continuing the good habits started in childhood is the best way for teens to keep their teeth and gums healthy. Whether wearing braces or orthodontic appliances, a teen needs to:

• Brush twice and floss once per day
• Reduce sugar intake. Tooth decay causes bacteria that feed on sugar and forms an acid that harms your teeth
• Limit snacking
• Eat a healthy, balanced diet
• Wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth when you are playing sports

Some issues you should be aware of that will affect your oral health:

Grills and Tooth Jewels

• Grills are metalwork that fits over your teeth, and they are usually removable
• Tooth jewels are glass crystals or gold and are secured to teeth using dental composite. They remain attached to the tooth for up to a year or longer
• Can result in irritation and inflammation of the gums
• Talk to us first about the safest choices and proper care and cleaning

Oral Piercings

• Can cause infections, uncontrollable bleeding, and nerve damage
• Metal jewelry can chip or crack teeth and cause damage to your gums
• Talk to us first about the safest choices and proper care and cleaning

Smoking

8 out of 10 teens who try smoking get addicted. Smoking can:

• Stain your gums and teeth
• Contribute to bad breath
• Increase your risk of developing oral cancer and gum disease
• If you notice inflammation or changes in your mouth, please book an appointment

Wisdom Teeth

• Wisdom teeth usually appear between 17 and 21, although they can begin causing problems as early as 13
• Book an appointment, and we can tell whether your wisdom teeth have enough space or if they should be removed

Oral Cancer

Oral cancer results from abnormal cell growth in the mouth, lips, tongue, or throat. In 2003, an estimated 3,100 new cases of oral cancers were identified in Canada, and about 1,090 deaths occurred due to the disease.

People over the age of 45 are most at risk. The good news is that oral cancer can be treated successfully if caught early enough.

Your dentist has the expert skill and training to detect early signs of the disease and can help you to understand your risks.

Signs and Symptoms

• White or dark red patches in your mouth or on your lips or tongue
• Lumps or changes in the texture or colour of the mouth tissues
• Bleeding or numbness in the mouth; sores or patches that do not heal
• Difficulty swallowing; changes in taste or tongue sensation

Risk Factors

The actual cause of oral cancer is not known, but risk factors include:

• Consumption of tobacco products (cigarettes, chewing tobacco, cigars, etc)
• Heavy alcohol consumption (It is especially dangerous to combine smoking and alcohol)
• Oral sex
• Prolonged, repeated exposure of the lips to the sun
• Poor diet, genetics, and gender (more men develop the disease than women)
• A history of leukoplakia – a thick, whitish-colour patch inside the mouth

Diagnosis and Treatment

Treatment depends on the severity and location of the disease and the age and health of the patient. If oral cancer is suspected:

• A biopsy (surgical removal and microscopic examination) of the suspicious area may be taken
• Imaging tests such as X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans or MRIs may be taken
• Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or surgery may be necessary to remove a tumour(s)

Prevention

• See your dentist regularly for dental exams and ask about oral cancer screenings
• Stop using tobacco products – ask your dentist about tools to help you quit
• Limit alcohol consumption
• Limit sun exposure and use U/V protective lip balms
• Eat a healthy diet with lots of fruits and vegetables
• Check your mouth regularly for signs or symptoms and report any changes in your mouth to your dentist right away