Make Your Teeth a BIG Deal

Confession: I’m only *mildly* obsessed with my teeth.

I brush and floss twice a day and use an interdental pick to get in between my bonded retainer. I rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash at least once daily and visit my dentist like clockwork every four months. I used to whiten my teeth aggressively with at-home whitening strips, a practice I abandoned in recent years, preferring to simply stay on top of my oral hygiene for a more natural look.

And what can I say? I have a great smile.

April is Oral Health Month! If it’s been a while since you’ve seen your dentist, now would be a perfect time to make an appointment. Regular dentist visits are the very best way to detect oral (and overall) health problems you might not know you have, and prevent them before they start.

Need a little more convincing? Here are 10 Reasons to Make Your Teeth a Big Deal!

1. Your Appearance. *Of course, * I’m going to get a little vain here. Your smile lights up your face; it’s high on the list of “attractive qualities” for both men and women alike. Your smile is also part of your first impression, which is essential for both social and professional interactions.

2. Your Self-Esteem. Oral health affects physical, mental and social well-being. If you have tooth pain, are missing teeth or experience frequent tooth infections, it can have an impact on how you speak, eat and socialize. Keeping your teeth in optimal condition goes a long way to boost your self-esteem. 

3. Your Health. Your mouth is a window into what’s going on in the rest of your body, often serving as a vantage point for detecting the early signs and symptoms of systemic disease. Your dentist is trained to look for mouth lesions, gum inflammation, salivary changes or other tell-tale signs of systemic problems.

4. Your Health (Part 2). Long-term gum infection can eventually result in the loss of your teeth, but there may also be an association between gum infections and poorly controlled diabetes, cardiovascular disease and if you’re pregnant, preterm birth.

5. Your Love Life. We all want to get a little closer to the ones we love! Good oral hygiene ensures fresh breath and a kissable pout. Chewing gum only masks odours caused by plaque bacteria – there is no substitute for regular brushing and flossing!

6. Your Comfort. Digestion begins with physical and chemical processes in the mouth. The action of chewing mechanically breaks down food, and saliva contains enzymes to help further digestion. Problems with your teeth or bite can lead to irritable bowel syndrome and other digestive disorders.

7. Your Time. Seeing a dentist proactively every 4-6 months is about 2-3 hours of your time per year. You can make that happen, agreed? Of course, you can. Seeing a dentist or periodontist after years of neglect will undoubtedly take up hours more in time, hassle and recovery.

8. Your Wallet. Most dental diseases, including tooth decay, are easier to treat and cost less if detected early. Regular visits to the dentist are essential for addressing small problems before they become big (financial) ones!

9. Your Responsibility. If you’re a parent, set a good example for your children by practicing exemplary oral hygiene. Together, make wise food choices, create a diligent brushing and flossing routine, and take them to see a dentist early and regularly.

10. Your 2036 Avatar. What will your profile photo look like in 20 years? Will you be smiling for the camera? I hope so! Making your teeth a big deal now helps ensure good oral health and vitality for years to come!

Are you inspired to give your teeth a little extra TLC? Call your dentist to book your next appointment today! Don’t have a dentist? Click here.

Although this post has been generously sponsored by The Ontario Dental Association, the opinions and language are my own.