Learn simple strategies that can help you avoid common oral health problems, including gum disease, cavities, and a clenched jaw.

A healthy body starts with a healthy mouth. 'Research has shown an association between gum disease and other serious conditions like heart disease and stroke,' says Kimberly Harms, DDS, a Minnesota-based dentist and spokesperson for the American Dental Association (ADA). But there are simple strategies that can help you avoid common oral-health problems, including gum disease (also known as gingivitis, and its more advanced form, periodontitis), cavities, and the clenching and grinding that can lead to temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ).

When you have your first dental check-up, your dental team will want to know about your medical history. You will need to tell them about any medical conditions, recent operations, allergies, and about any tablets or medicines you are taking that may affect your dental treatment.

You may think that some conditions are not important enough to mention. However, quite often these conditions are just as important. The information will help your dentist and the dental team work together to make sure they treat you in the safest way possible and do not put you at any risk during treatment.

'You need to get a gum graft,' my dentist told me.This was not surprising news since I have been well aware of how much my lower gums have receded, particularly on my incisors. It has left my teeth incredibly sensitive and me rather self-conscious. Let's face it: We all want healthy teeth that last us a lifetime. There is nothing appealing about the thought of chompers in a glass with your name on it. Thankfully, modern dentistry has come a long way: Canadians are, in fact, keeping their pearly whites longer than ever before, largely due to the effects of fluoride, as well as better maintenance and oral hygiene. That said, there are still common dental risks that pop up from time to time. Here's what you need to know to prevent problems and keep your smile bright.

Read more at http://www.besthealthmag.ca/best-you/oral-health/5-oral-health-problems-solved#REUE811h66EyuujV.99

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