Some of the most dedicated, hard-working dental professionals are hygienists, and National Dental Hygiene Month was designated as a time to appreciate the efforts of these dedicated professionals. But there’s another reason to celebrate National Dental Hygiene Month in October – it’s a great time to remember how important it is to take care of your teeth and gums each and every day.
This year, the focus is on four simple routines that can help all of us achieve and maintain good oral health: brush, floss, rinse and chew. Dental professionals recommend that we all follow these practices every day:
- Brush twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Choose a brush that fits easily inside your mouth. Brush all areas thoroughly for two minutes with the brush at a 45-degree angle, using back-and-forth strokes on both the front and back sides of your teeth. Take a few seconds to brush your tongue as well, since that’s where a lot of bacteria can accumulate and be spread to your teeth and gums.
- Floss at least once a day. Use whatever type of floss you prefer – waxed, unwaxed, flavored or plain. If you have large gaps between your teeth, you might find that dental tape works best. Work the floss in between teeth, down to the gums. Be careful not to floss too aggressively so as not to harm the gum tissue, but thoroughly enough to remove any food particles left behind after brushing.
- Rinse out your mouth on a regular basis to help eliminate bacteria that you may have missed with brushing and flossing. You can use regular tap water to rinse as many times throughout the day as you’d like, and use a high quality mouthwash once or twice a day. Look for a rinse that works at killing bacteria, but try to avoid those that contain alcohol.
- Chew sugarless gum. Studies have found that chewing sugarless gum for 20 minutes or so after a meal increases the amount of saliva produced inside the mouth. Saliva helps wash away food particles left behind and neutralizes acids in the mouth, which helps to fight off bacteria.
In addition to these four daily habits, remember to visit your dentist on a regular basis for professional exams and cleanings by your dental hygienist. It takes a dental professional to thoroughly remove all the plaque and tartar that build up on your teeth over time. Most dentists recommend that patients have their teeth cleaned at least twice a year, but some people may need to visit more often if they are cavity-prone or more likely to develop gum disease. Talk to your dentist to find out how often you should schedule your visits.
The combination of a daily dental hygiene routine at home and regular trips to your dentist’s office can add up to a lifetime of good oral health. Now that’s something to celebrate!