Ontario Dental Association Archives

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.

oda 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. …

There are some things I never take for granted. Clean water, fresh air, good food, and healthy teeth. ALWAYS healthy teeth.

Think about it. Healthy teeth lead to a healthy smile, which is by far everyone’s best beauty asset. And, just like a classic designer handbag, fresh, clean breath is always in style.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve been *mildly obsessed* with oral health. After two years of braces, several allergies to cavity fillings and eight tooth extractions (including four impacted wisdom teeth), I’ve had my share of dental dilemmas. So I always pay particular attention to staying on top of my oral hygiene; let’s face it, we rely on good dental health for everything from the food we eat to the way we speak. Think of your mouth as the gateway to your overall health, and your teeth as the guards. Wouldn’t you want them to be strong and healthy?

(Also? I love hard candy. Teeth, don’t fail me now!)

Part of my oral hygiene regime is to visit a dentist every 4-6 months, like clockwork, without exception. And it’s a family thing; I started taking both my boys to the dentist before they turned two years old! At the time, the dental hygienist simply counted their teeth and checked for “sugar buds”. Now, they get the full treatment – scaling, fluoride wash and power cleaning!

And cool sunglasses, of course.
www It’s no secret: regular dental appointments are the best way to prevent and detect problems before they affect your family’s quality of life. By visiting your Ontario dentist and taking other proactive measures, you can skip the costly and painful treatments that result from neglect. (An ounce of prevention really is worth a pound of cure… take it from someone who has had four cavities!) And thanks to the Ontario Dental Association, you can learn your dental care options and find a dentist near you online. …

Make Your Teeth a BIG Deal

Protect Your Smile!