Did you know that your mouth says a lot about your overall health? The health of your teeth and gums can reveal a lot about what’s going on in the rest of your body. But for many people, oral health care tends to take a backseat to other health priorities.

A pharmacist’s role goes beyond just filling prescriptions. They’re health educators, advocates, and problem solvers who want to help you achieve your health goals. When it comes to oral health, pharmacists can work behind the counter and behind the scenes to help keep your mouth – and the rest of you – in tip-top shape.

What Pharmacists Can Do to Promote Oral Health

There are a number of things that pharmacists can do, including:

• Educating patients about the importance of oral health and the link between it and overall health, and they can teach patients about the basics of oral hygiene, such as brushing and flossing.
• Recommending over-the-counter products such as toothpaste, mouthwash, and floss. They can also recommend prescription products, such as fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash. Order your kit now!
• Providing referrals to dentists: If a patient has an problem that requires the care of a dentist, the pharmacist can provide a referral.

Examples

For patients with risks like dry mouth or diabetes, pharmacists can provide customized advice. They’ll go over any side effects from prescription medicines that could impact your oral health. And if symptoms of oral disease crop up, pharmacists can refer you to a dentist or work with your dentist to optimize your plan.

So, the next time you visit the pharmacist, don’t just ask about your prescription refills. Strike up a conversation about keeping a bright smile and a healthy body well into the future. A pharmacist’s tips for better oral health could end up paying big dividends for the rest of your health.

How did this intro sound? I aimed for a mix of fun, digestible explanation with some helpful detail. Let me know if you’d like me to modify or expand the intro in any way.