Celebrate National Oral Health Month this April

Did you know that good oral hygiene is just as important as eating well and staying active? All these habits play a role in preventing disease and supporting your overall health.

During National Oral Health Month, remember that having a clean, healthy, and pain free mouth helps you to chew your food better, speak clearly, sleep comfortably and feel confident. In short: a healthy mouth means a healthier you.

Durham Region Health Department encourages everyone to maintain strong oral health habits. Here are a few simple tips to help support proper oral hygiene:

• Brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoridated toothpaste, and floss once a day to remove plaque and help prevent cavities and gum disease.
• If you have dentures, clean your dentures at least once a day with a soft bristled toothbrush or denture brush, and remove your dentures when you go to sleep.
• Limit sugary drinks and choose water first. Water helps wash away food particles, acids and bacteria from your mouth.
• Check your mouth regularly for signs of oral cancer. Learn more at durham.ca/OralCancer.
• Limit alcohol and avoid all tobacco and vaping products.
• And remember to visit your dentist regularly to monitor the health of your teeth and mouth.

The Health Department’s Oral Health division oversees two provincially funded dental programs to help eligible children and seniors access dental care.

Healthy Smiles Ontario provides free dental services for eligible children and youth 17 and under. And the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program offers basic dental care for eligible seniors.

To learn more about the Health Department’s oral health programs and services, visit durham.ca/OralHealth.