Ottawa dentist says oral health part of overall well-being

If you have fears about visiting the dentist, we visit one that is going above and beyond to ensure you feel comfortable.

April is National Oral Health Month and an Ottawa dentist is reminding people of the importance of getting regular checkups, citing their benefits to overall health.

“Oral health is directly connected to our overall health, so that’s one thing that people often forget. So, we just want to remind people to take care of their health because we want to ensure that overall, they’re healthy,” Dr. Jessie Mcallister, from Mcallister Dentistry, told CTV Morning Live Thursday.

She says that regularly visiting the dentist doesn’t have to be scary, citing some strategies used at clinics make them feel comfortable, such as the use of blankets, neck pillows and wireless headphones to watch movies or listen to relaxing music.

“Because we want to encourage them to visit (the dentist),” Mcallister said.

Delaying visits to the dentist can cause more problems down the road, she says.

Patients can get a screening exam of their teeth at the dentist, which gives an idea about their overall health, Mcallister added.

“We’re doing screens for oral cancer, (and) we’re looking at TMJ issues. A lot of patients come in with pain. We’re looking at lip and tongue ties,” she said. “It’s great for us to screen for all those types of things and then refer when necessary. So, we always look at your oral health as part of your overall health. … Your mouth is the gateway to your whole body. So, if you have uncontrolled gingivitis, (and) inflammation, that inflammation can affect your whole systemic health.”

She says that the biggest thing people slip on continues to be flossing and proper brushing.

Mcallister suggests using an electric toothbrush. She says electric toothbrushes are more effective, as they remove 20 times more plaque than regular toothbrushes.

When it comes to flossing, she recommends using the water flosser, especially for those who are not comfortable using the regular floss.

“The water flosser is a great option. So, this can help to flush out plaque, bacteria and food from in between the teeth. And again, if you’re not regularly flossing, it’s a great thing to add to your routine,” she said. “We really want to make sure that patients get an effective, yet gentle clean.”

During National Oral Health Month, dentists across the country raise awareness about the importance of maintaining good oral health and its connection to overall well-being, maintaining healthy teeth and gums for a confident smile and preventing chronic disease.

More information about National Oral Health Month is available here.