Oral pain affects 26% of Canadians, causing daily discomfort and practical challenges. While anxiously awaiting dental visits, many Canadians find themselves resorting to strategies like chewing on one side or avoiding certain foods to manage the pain. In those moments, it’s easy to wish you had prioritized your oral health sooner. The good news is most oral health issues are largely preventable. By staying proactive with oral hygiene and adopting healthy habits, you can avoid future toothaches and maintain a bright, healthy smile.

Why is oral health so important?

Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that constantly builds up in the mouth. If it is not removed with daily brushing and flossing, plaque hardens into tartar, which can only be removed with professional cleaning. Tartar can lead to gum disease, which in turn can lead to tooth loss. Oral disease has also been linked to wider health problems, including heart disease.

The good news is that gum disease is almost always preventable and can even be reversed in its early stages.

Who is most likely to experience oral issues?

While oral pain can affect anyone, certain groups are at a higher risk, including: 

• Adults (18+) are twice as likely to report oral health problems compared to children and youth.
• Females are more likely to report experiencing oral pain than males.
• Nearly half of Canadians with a disability report experiencing oral pain.

What can you do to support good oral health?

Your future self will be grateful you’ve made healthy habits part of your daily routine – here are some tips to keep your smile healthy and sparkling:

1. Brush twice a day: Use fluoride toothpaste and brush your teeth for at least two minutes, in the morning and before bed at night.
2. Floss daily: Flossing removes plaque and food particles from between your teeth and along the gum line, helping prevent gum disease. If you don’t floss, you’re missing one third of your tooth surface!
3. Regular dental check-ups: Routine dental cleanings and check-ups support your overall health and allow your dentist to detect potential issues, like tooth decay, early. Your dentist can also check for signs of more serious health concerns, like oral cancer. Attending regular dental check-ups can prevent the need for more extensive (and costly) dental work further down the line.
4. Maintain a healthy diet: Excessive sugar feeds the harmful bacteria in your mouth, leading to plaque buildup, cavities, and possibly tooth decay or gum disease. Minimize sugar intake and rinse with water after consuming sugary foods.
5. Drink plenty of water: Staying hydrated with water not only washes away debris from food, but it is also the best way to maintain moisture in the mouth. This is important as water stimulates saliva production, and saliva neutralizes any leftover acid, to prevent tooth enamel erosion and cavities. Having a dry mouth allows bacteria to multiply faster.
6. Limit tobacco and alcohol: Both tobacco and alcohol can contribute to tooth decay and other oral health issues, so it’s wise to limit or eliminate consumption altogether.
7. Replace your toothbrush: Change your toothbrush every three to four months, or sooner if the bristles are frayed or you’ve recently been ill.

What if you don’t have coverage?

If you don’t currently have dental coverage, there are more options than ever to support your oral health. Explore comprehensive, affordable dental plans from Pacific Blue Cross. Alternatively, the Canadian Dental Care Plan is available to a limited number of Canadians - speak to your dental team and review the eligibility criteria to determine if it’s a suitable option for you.

If you have any questions or need further information on Pacific Blue Cross Health Insurance plans, our team of experts is here to help. Contact us at 604 419-2000 or 1 877-PAC-BLUE (722-2583) Monday to Friday 8 am to 4:30 pm PST, excluding statutory holidays.

For more tips on improving and maintaining good oral health, visit the BC Dental Association.