If you know me then you know how important oral health care is to me and for my family. I have been plagued with dental issues for many years and the future does not look as bright for my choppers as it should. That’s why I am glad that April is National Oral Health Care Month! So many things can affect the health of your mouth, and it’s occupants like teeth, gums and even your tongue, so why not show them some love. Take it from me, when they are gone you are going to miss them.
In honor of National Oral Health Care Month I thought we would share some tips on how to keep your teeth not only looking their best, but feeling good to. Good oral hygiene is like exercise; your body feels great after you work out and so will your mouth!
Start early and teach good habits at a young age:
We all know that good (and bad) habits are hard to break. That’s why you should teach your children good oral health care habits from the time they are born. Using a clean, soft washcloth on a baby’s tender gums will help them adjust to the sensation of “brushing” their teeth. This is the start to getting them in a daily routine and will help avoid future dental troubles. According to the World Health Organization 60-90% of children experience tooth decay. Dentists recommend that we introduce toothpaste with fluoride like Orajel™ Super Mario ™ Kids Fluoride Toothpaste after the age of 2 years to help fight cavities. To make teeth time extra fun, try the new Spinbrush™ My Little Pony ™or Super Mario ™ battery brushes! Your kiddos will love practicing healthy habits with the help of their favourite characters. My son adores Super Mario and loves his Super Mario SpinBrush! Children under the age of 3 years should use the brush with adult supervision.
Keep your mouth as clean as a whistle:
Even though we all know this, it is a good reminder to make sure you are brushing and flossing at least twice a day to achieve exceptional oral health. This can also include using a mouth wash, if you like. One great tool to have in your dental toolkit is the new Arm & Hammer™ Spinbrush Manual brush. It will blast away plaque and keep your smile healthy and bright! As a lover of all things gooey, sticky and sweet I know that brushing my teeth after a decadent dessert is very important. Foods that are high in sugar like to take up residence on your teeth. Why even some fruits and wines can stain your teeth. (Not that I know anything about that last one.. ) This is one reason I love Arm & Hammer’s™ Truly Radiant™ Rejuvenating Paste. It does what it says it will do and tackles tough stains left on your teeth from all of life’s indulgences. It’s like a little mother making sure you washed behind your ears. 
Keep your eyes open for red flags:
Women are taught at a young age to monitor themselves for lumps and we have all been told to keep an eye on a funny looking mole, but many people do not afford the same courtesy to their mouths. Ever take a bite of something and think that your tooth feels a bit loose? That could be an infection, so don’t ignore it. Left unchecked you could wake up to bleeding or swollen gums. Ever have bad breath that won’t go away no matter how many mints you suck on or times you rinse with mouth wash? The Canadian Dental Association says that these can be signs of gum disease that need to be addressed by your dentist. Another red flag could be that bit of sensitivity you have when eating ice cream or having a hot drink. Many people use toothpaste for sensitive teeth, but at the same time you should make sure your dentist is aware of this. I learned this the hard way this past year when a sensitive tooth, that I had been using sensitive toothpaste for, ending up needing a root canal after all.
If there is only one thing you take away from this I would want that to be to treat your mouth and your teeth with the same respect that you treat the rest of your body. When our eyesight is poor we wear glasses, when we have a cut we clean it and use a band-aid. This month make it your mission to make your oral health care the best it can be and show us your pearly whites!!
What is your favourite flavour of toothpaste? I like a minty one, but love the clean feeling that ones with baking soda have.
FT&PD
Suz
Disclosure: I am a 2015 Church & Dwight Ambassador. The teeth in my head are all mine, just like my thoughts and opinions…
We are teaching my 2 year old great granddaughter how to brush her teeth. Even though they aren’t permanent teeth need to teach good oral hygiene.
I prefer minty flavored toothpastes, but I will use almost anything that is available or that my boyfriend picks up at the store. I am very lucky to have never had any dental problems. I did go through years of orthodontics: head-gear, braces, retainer…the whole nine yards, but I have never had a cavity or anything like that. My middle child, however, has already had 2 cavities so I think that genetics must play at least some of a role in the likelihood of dental issues. Her dad has had many cavities.
I never knew they had a oral health month. Good to know!
Thanks for the great post Suzanne! Like all the other parts of our body, our mouth is one to pay close attention too! Luckily my step-mother went to the dr’s fairly quickly when she had a burning sensation on the side of her tongue. It turned out she had tongue cancer!! After some surgery and radiation she is now cancer free! The Dr said it was because she paid attention to her mouth and didn’t waste time getting it looked at!!
Oh, btw…..cute model with the toothbrush!
Great pointers! I prefer minty flavored toothpaste and my kids are starting to get used to it too. My 6-year-old loves the smell after he brushes his teeth!
Mint flavoured toothpaste is used in our home
I prefer fruit toothpastes but I feel like only minty toothpastes makes my teeth clean. Don’t know why.
We love mint,your son is handsome and he has your eyes!
We just all got new toothbrushes for Halloween,i like to get the kids a fun brush,if they like it they use it more and after all the treats