With it being Valentine’s Day today, interest in dental health is at an all-time high. Oral health is a subject that has received increasing attention in modern society as we learn more about best practices and the long-term effects of certain habits. Bad oral health can be a huge turn off for many people, and can be easily avoided by following a few simple principles.

There are certain principles of oral hygiene we should all keep in mind in order maintain good oral health:

Cavities are communicable: Cavities are caused by a variety of factors, chief among them being improper cleaning of teeth and the bacteria present in one’s mouth. It is common knowledge that these two factors go hand-in-hand, and that it is the improper cleaning that allows the bacteria to remain long-term and cause tooth decay. What most people are unaware of, however, is the fact that this bacteria can spread in a multitude of ways, from simple acts like kissing to sharing cutlery.

Don’t share a toothbrush: Just as one can give or receive bacteria or germs through cutlery or a kiss, it can be communicated just as easily through the sharing of a toothbrush. A poll from 2016 shows that just over half of all couples have no trouble in sharing a toothbrush.

Toothbrushes are used to maintain oral hygiene, and sharing a toothbrush allows for the transfer or germs and bacteria at a time when you think you’re cleaning your mouth. As a general principle, we recommend keeping your own toothbrush with you at all times.

Don’t smoke: We all know how detrimental smoking can be to our overall health. Smoking, apart from other severe ill effects, also affects oral health specifically. It isn’t just bad for your breath and stains your teeth; it also makes you more likely to get gum disease or contract oral cancer. It even impairs your ability to smell and taste-it is a habit we would most definitely recommend you give up!

One of the best ways to ensure good oral health is to get your teeth cleaned every six months. Not only does this ensure that any bacteria that may be present is removed on a regular basis and that your teeth remain pearly- white, it will also ensure that you visit your dentist every six months and this will give your dentist the opportunity to identify other problems that may be present and rectify them at the earliest opportunity. Our oral health truly deteriorates when these problems are not caught early and are allowed to fester, causing long-term damage to our teeth and gums.

Dental Services at Panacea Medical and Wellness Centre

At Panacea Medical and Wellness Centre, we are more than capable of taking care of all your dental needs! Our team of expert dentists, orthodontists and periodontists are well-versed in dealing with a multitude of dental situations, ranging from simple dental cleaning or teeth whitening all the way to braces / invisalign, dental implants, root canal treatment and much more. You can read more about our dental services by visiting our dentistry page.

At Panacea Medical and Wellness Centre, we are taking all possible precautions to ensure your safety when you visit us. To learn more, you can watch a video about our hygiene practices at the clinic.

Here’s wishing you a safe and healthy Valentine’s Day!