1) Keep your mouth clean; Use a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste; Floss every day.

2) Check your mouth regularly for signs of gum disease: Red, shiny, puffy, sore or sensitive gums; Bleeding when you brush or floss; Bad breath that won’t go away. Signs of oral cancer: Bleeding or open sores that don’t heal; White or red patches; Small lumps and thickening on the sides or bottom of your tongue, the floor or roof of your mouth, the inside of your cheeks, or on your gums.

3) Eat well: Limit foods and beverages containing sugar or carbohydrates; Eat healthy snacks like cheeses, nuts, vegetables, and non-acidic fruits.

4) See your dentist regularly. 48% of Canadians who haven’t seen a dentist in the past year have gum disease. Regular dental exams and professional cleanings are the best way to prevent and detect problems.

Dr. Robert Wolanski, Dentist/Owner, Lakeside Dental Clinic
lakesidedentalclinic.ca