Celebrate World Oral Health Day With a Smile

Day With a Smile: Circle March 20 – World Oral Health Day – on your calendar and plan to celebrate with a smile! Every year on this day, oral health professionals and their patients build awareness of oral diseases and their effects on people’s health worldwide.

Its purpose, to ‘empower people with the knowledge, tools and confidence to secure good oral health’, when realized, can literally change the world, as well as your own family. Oral diseases, after all, contribute to several general health conditions, including endocarditis (an infection of your heart’s inner lining), other cardiovascular diseases, pneumonia, and complications in pregnancy and birth.

According to the Australian Dental Association, oral diseases affect close to 3.5 billion people all over the world. But it doesn’t have to affect you or your family.

Change the World, One Smile at a Time

This year’s theme, “Be Proud of Your Mouth,” focuses on how important oral hygiene is for living your healthiest life possible. This year, make your celebration include a resolution to focus on your own oral hygiene regimen.

Consider it a mid-year addendum to your New Year’s resolution. But don’t stop there. Go over to the World Oral Health Day website for some helpful resources to educate your friends, family, and neighbours about the importance of oral health.

Start With Your Local Dentist

If you haven’t made your twice-yearly appointments with your dentist, pick up the phone and call today. Regular check-ups are the foundation of a healthy oral health routine.

Today’s dentists even help you conquer the fear factor that makes so many people dread their regular dental care. With a broad spectrum of comfort options, going to the dentist can be something you even look forward to.

During your teeth cleaning, ask the hygienist about how to maintain good oral health. Then, follow his or her advice when you return home.

Then, Follow Up With Healthy Habits at Home

Oral hygiene starts with what you eat. Eat a balanced, healthy diet rich in calcium and other minerals, but avoid hard, acidic, and sugary foods and drinks as much as possible.

After you eat, brush and floss as quickly as possible. Even if you’re out, a quick rinse with warm water can help neutralize acids and wash away some of the bacteria until you get home for a brush and floss.

Brush your teeth at least twice a day. Spend about two to three minutes each time. Gentle, circular motions work best, with a massage-like feel that stimulates the blood flow in your gums.

Floss your teeth once a day or more. Make sure you clean the spaces between each of your teeth and the space at the end of each row of teeth. Use a mirror to guide you if you prefer to see what you’re doing. Daily flossing helps keep your teeth plaque-free and your gums healthy.

When you celebrate World Oral Health Day by practising better oral hygiene yourself and promoting it to friends and family, you’ll be doing your part to make the world smile. To learn more about oral health or to book an appointment, contact the Integrity Dental team today!