Important tips to help keep your mouth healthy

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Published: January 13, 2009

This month is the eighth anniversary of the Academy of General Dentistry’s Find a Dentist Day. Poor oral health and untreated oral diseases and conditions can have a significant impact on quality of life. In fact, the condition of the mouth often mirrors the condition of the body as a whole. According to the Academy of General Dentistry, recent reports indicate a relationship between gum disease and stroke, heart disease, oral cancer and the digestive system. More than 75 percent of the population is affected by some type of gum disease or gingivitis.

Katie Benson, left, and Robbie Meziere work on a patient at the Rose State College dental clinic Monday, October 20, 2008. BY JIM BECKEL

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Here are a few steps you can take to keep your mouth and body healthy.

→Visit your dentist every six months for regular screenings and cleanings. A regular exam allows your dentist to keep your mouth in tip-top shape and watch for developments that may point to problems elsewhere in your body.

→Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to reach every surface of the tooth. If the bristles become bent or frayed, it’s time for a new toothbrush.

→Use toothpaste with fluoride. This can reduce tooth decay by as much as 40 percent.

→Brush properly. Spend at least 2 minutes brushing your teeth twice a day.

→Floss properly. Make sure to floss once a day. Gently insert floss between your teeth. Don’t force the floss or snap it into place.

This information is by St. Anthony Hospital and the Academy of General Dentistry. For more information or to find a dentist, please call Saints Physician Referral at 231-8866.