Taking care of the teeth and mouth on a daily basis is the first step which can be done at home. Use dental products such as toothbrushes and toothpaste, and make sure toothbrushes are replaced every three months. It’s important to see a dentist on a regular basis to check for developmental problems, or more serious issues like mouth and throat cancers. People, who experience pain in their mouth, teeth, or throat, should contact their dentist right away. Just like with other health concerns, treating a problem quickly can help stop it from getting worse.
Dentists can screen for the potential need for orthodontic work based on jaw alignment and function. While the teeth and mouth may appear healthy, these issues can cause headaches and pain, negatively impacting a student’s ability to thrive in school and in life.
It's also important to see a dental professional for cleanings and checkups on a regular basis. They can teach the right brushing and flossing skills, and check the condition of your teeth and gums.
Avoiding certain behaviours is also good for your oral health. Don’t use your teeth to open packaging or to rip things, and be aware of eating very hard and sharp items (like hard candies). These things can chip or crack your teeth, or damage your gums. Also, when playing sports, it is smart to use protective equipment like a mouth guard that’s properly fitted to your mouth. This is especially important in contact sports. Contact your dentist as soon as possible, when any oral injuries occur, for example being hit in the face with a ball and chipping a tooth.
Finally, unhealthy behaviours such as using tobacco, vaping, and smoking cannabis should be avoided for good oral health. With tobacco, both smoking and chewing it can harm the mouth and throat. Smoking substances, including vaping, can increase the risk of oral and throat cancers.