When you think of October celebrations, the first one that comes to mind probably isn’t National Dental Hygiene Month! Dental hygiene is the foundation of good oral health. If your brushing and flossing habits are poor, then you’re more likely to develop conditions like gum disease and tooth decay due to bacteria build up. That’s why the American Dental Hygienists’ Association and the Wrigley company teamed up to raise awareness and spread oral health tips.
But what can you do for National Dental Hygiene Month? If you’d like to celebrate healthy smiles, keep reading.
Take Your Brushing Game to The Next Level
Dentists recommend brushing your teeth twice a day to mitigate the bacteria accumulation that occurs overnight and throughout your day. However, a few extra things can take your routine to the next level.
Make sure you have a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, then hold your brush at a 45-degree angle and move in tiny circles. Soft-bristles are better for your enamel, fluoride provides anti-cavity protection, and brushing with this method gets at those hard-to-reach nooks and crannies.
Don’t Forget to Floss!
Flossing is just as important as brushing, and most dentists say you should floss at least once a day. But what if you really hate flossing? Sometimes all it takes to repair your motivation is to find the right tools! Floss picks can speed up the process quite a bit, for example, and water flossers are a great alternative for those who find classic thread uncomfortable.
If you go threaded, make a “c shape” with the floss, or move the pick so you can clear the sides of your teeth from bacteria. With a water flosser, aim at your back teeth first, then slowly work your way towards the front.
Regular Dental Checkups Make a Big Difference
Your dentist can also help you celebrate National Dental Hygiene Month with a preventative checkup and cleaning appointment. This service helps prevent disastrous oral conditions by checking for early warning signs and eliminating hardened bacteria (plaque) that are difficult to remove with a simple toothbrush.
Since oral health monitoring and plaque control work best on a regular basis, the pros recommend scheduling these appointments every six months. That way, if your dentist spots anything suspicious, they can help you get your habits and hygiene back on track before you develop a true dental emergency.
At the end of the day, National Dental Hygiene Month is about you and your oral health. Whether celebrating means upgrading your dental equipment or visiting your dentist, be sure to show your teeth some love this October!
About the Practice
At Boyd & Walther Tallahassee Dental Associates, we have two top-notch dentists and a friendly team of dental hygienists that would all be happy to help you celebrate National Dental Hygiene Month! We keep up with the latest advancements in dental technology and methods, enabling us to provide comfortable and quality services for our patients. If you’d like to schedule a checkup and cleaning, you can contact our office at 850-878-4117.