Celebrate Dental Hygiene Month
How would you rate your dental hygiene habits? Do you make an effort to brush and floss regularly, in addition to scheduling routine exams and cleanings at your dentist's office? October is National Dental Hygiene Month, and it's the perfect time to give your teeth and gums a little extra care by reassessing your at-home oral hygiene routine. We're also emphasizing the importance of healthy teeth and gums and the important role that dental hygienists play in helping you achieve and maintain a healthy mouth.
Why Do I Need Good Oral Hygiene?
Good oral hygiene is important because it greatly reduces your risk of developing tooth decay and gum disease, which is a leading cause of tooth loss in adults. However, a healthy smile isn't only about looking good. If you have poor oral hygiene, it can cause problems that affect your overall health. Studies have shown that there is a connection between poor dental health and the development of certain medical problems, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and chronic inflammation in the body.
Celebrating Our Dental Hygienists
This National Dental Hygiene Month, we'd like to put our dental hygienists in the spotlight and highlight the essential work that these licensed dental professionals provide patients. Dental hygienists are essential in helping to treat and prevent a variety of dental problems, and they have the education and training needed to perform numerous roles in our dental practice.
Working as a dental hygienist extends far beyond taking x-rays and cleaning patients' teeth. Hygienists are typically the main line of communication between dentists and patients. They perform all screenings and dental health assessments and review your dental history. In addition to removing plaque and tartar from your teeth, your hygienist also offers preventative treatments, such as fluoride and sealants.
Do you have any questions about how you can improve your dental health, or are you wondering if you're flossing or brushing the right way? Ask your dental hygienist! They are happy to show you effective strategies for brushing and flossing to improve the health of your mouth. Your hygienist can also talk to you about the role proper nutrition plays in oral health.
How to Celebrate Dental Hygiene Month
Brush Twice Daily
Set a goal every day to brush your teeth for two minutes at least two times a day. Brushing for at least two minutes is the amount of time that it takes to thoroughly remove particles of food and plaque bacteria from your whole mouth. Using a fluoride toothpaste while you brush for two minutes at the minimum is the best way to completely remove plaque bacteria and food debris. If you don't brush every day, these particles accumulate on your teeth and feed on the sugars and starches in the foods that you eat, creating acids that weaken tooth enamel. Your risk of gingivitis and tooth decay increases as a result.
To help you focus on brushing for the recommended two minutes, divide your mouth into four separate sections and spend approximately 30 seconds brushing each section. Setting an alarm for two minutes or using a kitchen timer can help you remember when you first start. Most electric toothbrushes, even inexpensive models have built-in timers that vibrate or alert you in some way when two minutes have passed.
Brush With an Effective Technique
Brushing your teeth using the right method will help you completely clean your entire mouth while avoiding any damage to your teeth and gums. Be gentle while brushing and use circular strokes. Avoid using too much pressure with your toothbrush. If you brush too vigorously, it's possible to damage your tooth enamel. This raises your risk of suffering from tooth sensitivity and other dental issues.
Don't neglect brushing your tongue since this helps you remove odor-causing bacteria and prevents bad breath. It's time to replace your toothbrush if you've been using it for longer than three months, the bristles are frayed, or you've recovered from an illness. Schedule a consultation with your dentist if your gums bleed or if it's painful while you're brushing.
Floss Every Day
Another component of a strong oral hygiene routine is flossing. We encourage all of our patients to follow the recommendations by the American Dental Association (ADA) and floss at least once each day. Flossing cleans between each tooth and removes particles of food that your toothbrush may have missed. Not flossing regularly greatly increases your risk of gingivitis, which may lead to tooth loss.
There are many tools available to help you floss your teeth. These include standard dental floss, water picks, and floss picks. Water picks are easier to manipulate than standard dental floss, but each option is effective at removing plaque bacteria and particles of food.
Rinse With Mouthwash
Using mouthwash is an excellent enhancement to your daily dental routine. Mouthwash can rinse away food particles, eliminate the bacteria that causes bad breath, and limit the buildup of plaque, which can reduce your gum disease risk. Ask your dentist or hygienist for a mouthwash recommendation.
Visit Your Dentist Twice a Year
The health of your mouth and your general health is closely related to how well you take care of your teeth and gums at home. Although you should never underestimate the benefits associated with receiving routine checkups and cleanings from your dental hygienist and dentist. These dental professionals can improve your oral health with both preventative and restorative dental care and treatments. When you receive a dental checkup, your dentist performs a screening for any signs of oral health problems, including gingivitis and cavities.
Successful treatment for most dental problems is highly dependent on receiving an early diagnosis. By receiving regular teeth cleanings, you can feel confident that your dental hygienist is helping you lower your risk of cavities and periodontal disease by removing built-up tartar.
How long has it been since you received a professional cleaning and dental checkup? To maintain the health of your mouth, you should be making an appointment for a cleaning and exam about every six months. Our team is here for you if you have any questions about the health of your mouth, and we can help provide tips to improve your at-home routine. Schedule an appointment today!
