You can save money by attending regular dental visits at Academy Dental in Victoria to treat small oral health issues before they become bigger, more expensive ones. Regular cleaning and checkup appointments are typically covered by dental insurance copay. Getting regular dental checkups and cleanings can keep your mouth at its healthiest state.

With a healthy mouth, you can enjoy your favorite foods and drinks without pain when biting or chewing. Also, enjoying the occasional starchy or sugary snack is less likely to affect the state of your teeth and gums when you’re getting regular, professional oral health services such as dental checkups from your dentist, and dental cleanings from the hygienists at Academy Dental.

You can learn the best brushing and flossing techniques to prevent tooth loss, decay and gum disease. Technique, not merely the acts of brushing and flossing alone, counts for a lot in the proper maintenance of teeth and gums. A poor technique can mean an ineffective reduction of plaque, making it more difficult to avoid serious gum disease. Excess plaque is likely to lead to red, swollen, bleeding gums (gingivitis) which sets the stage for periodontal problems. At Academy Dental, during your regular dental visits, we help coach you in proper flossing and brushing techniques for the sake of your good oral health.

You can reduce serious health risks such as oral cancer, heart attack and stroke. Studies are increasingly showing the links between cardiovascular disease and poor oral hygiene. Regular dental visits can help you stay on top of any potential risks. Our dentists checks carefully for any decay warning signs during your checkups to help you avoid serious gum disease. At Academy Dental, we do screenings for oral cancer, which if left untreated, is one of the most fatal cancers. By making sure to attend your appointments with Our dentists regularly, you can do the right thing for your health. 

You can be a great role model for your children or your partner. By consistently getting regular dental check ups[link] and cleanings, you’re setting a good example for your children and/or partner. Being a good role model isn’t about putting off regular dental visits, but actually going to cleanings and check up appointments. Being a doer not just a talker may help other members of your family take your lead. At Academy Dental in Victoria, we encourage good oral heath for all patients and their families.

Heart disease is one of the most prevalent disorders affecting adults in North America.  With over 1.5 million heart attacks and 600,00 strokes occurring every year, it is important that we all do what we can to keep our hearts healthy.

It’s not widely known how important good oral health is in preventing cardiovascular disease.  To raise awareness, February has been named Dentistry Has a Heart Month – we thought we’d join in the cause – Dentistry has a Heart Month represents a great opportunity for us to help our patients understand the critical role your dental team has to play in your heart health.

Researchers have suggested two possible explanations for the relationship between bad oral health and heart attacks or strokes.

The first is that the bacteria that collect in your gums when you have gingivitis or periodontitis enter your blood stream as your gums bleed, sticking to and inflaming the pre-existing fatty deposits in your coronary arteries (a condition called atherosclerosis).  This can cause blood clots that lead to a heart attack or stroke.

The alternate explanation is that when oral bacteria are released into the blood stream they cause the body to develop antibodies that attach to receptors on the cells lining the blood vessels of the heart.  This can cause an inflammatory reaction that thickens the fatty deposits lining the coronary artery walls, reducing blood flow to dangerous levels.

Good oral care and preventive dentistry are thus critically important in the fight against heart disease.  We recommend that you brush well twice every day (and floss once), and schedule appointments with your dental professionals at least twice a year.

Further, if you are experiencing any of the following signs of gum disease it’s very important to contact us to reserve an oral care appointment right away.

• Gums that bleed
• Sore or inflamed gums
• A receding gum line
• Persistent bad breath
• Pus or infection in the gums
• Sores in your mouth
• Increased spaces developing between your teeth

Dentistry Has a Heart Month is a perfect time of year to remind ourselves that making a personal commitment to oral health will improve our overall health and lower the risk of heart disease.

Wearing a mouthguard while you’re playing sports is important to protect your teeth and avoid dental injuries. When you have invested in a sports mouth guard from your Victoria dentist, Academy Dental, we’ll take you through the process of how to properly take care of your gear to ensure it stays protective and effective for a long time. To make sure your mouthguard is providing the protection you need, here are some tips to follow for mouthguard maintenance!

1. Get the Right Guard

First things first – make sure you get the right mouthguard for your needs. You can find specialized mouthguards that are designed for different levels of protection depending on the sport or activity you’ll be wearing it for. They are also designed based on which areas of the mouth need the most protection, whether it’s the front of the teeth or under the molars. Come for a consultation at your Victoria dentist, Academy Dental, to get fitted for a mouthguard that’s right for you!

2. Don’t Chew!

Many athletes believe that chewing gum during athletics increases brain activity, as the act of chewing improves various bodily functions. However, chewing on your mouthguard can cause damage to your mouthguard, and decrease its protective qualities. Not only can chewing cause your mouthguard to be less effective, but it can also make your mouthguard less comfortable, because chewing creates rips and tears. These tears allow bacteria to get trapped in the mouthguard, which you don’t want!

3. Keep It Cool and Dry

No matter what type of mouthguard you have, it should be stored in a cool, dry place. It’s best to avoid heat and moisture, which can cause damage to your mouthguard and deform the protective material. Finally, be sure to keep your guard in a clean protective case when you’re not using it.

For more information about how to take proper care of your mouthguard, come visit us at one of Academy Dental‘s convenient locations in Victoria.