There’s a lot to like about October: anticipating the holidays as the leaves change on brisk autumn days while enjoying a pumpkin spice something…
Also, on an unrelated note (though maybe not if you have too many pumpkin spice treats), October is also National Dental Hygiene Month! For anyone who’s unaware, National Dental Hygiene Month provides an opportunity to promote the benefits of proper oral hygiene practices while also recognizing the tireless and dedicated efforts of dental hygienists in keeping our smiles strong, bright, and healthy!
What Is National Dental Hygiene Month?
National Dental Hygiene Month is a collaborative effort between the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) and Colgate intended to celebrate the hard work of dental hygienists and their unwavering commitment to creating healthy, beaming smiles. This month offers a great opportunity to highlight for our patients certain messages and oral health tips that dental can help optimize their oral health.
Throughout October, Colgate and the ADHA have been working together to provide free continuing education and events for hygienists and exclusive offers and promotions on Colgate products.
We’re focusing here on a few tips and techniques that you can implement at home to optimize your oral health routine!
The Fundamentals of Proper Dental Hygiene
Strong at-home oral health practices are vital to keeping your teeth and gums healthy. Here are some tips for maintaining strong at-home oral health practices:
- Brush your teeth properly. Everyone should brush their teeth at a minimum of twice a day, using fluoride toothpaste. When brushing, make sure to take your time and use smooth, circular motions to clean all the surfaces of your teeth and your gumline.
- Floss regularly. It’s equally crucial to floss daily in order to prevent plaque by removing bacteria and food particles from between your teeth. Remember that, as with brushing, more vigorous flossing is not more effective!
- Regular mouthwash rinses. Though it should not be used as a substitute for brushing and flossing, regularly rinsing with antibacterial mouthwash can help to further reduce the harmful bacteria that cause plaque and can ultimately cause gum disease.
- Keep your diet clean as clean as your teeth. Eating a balanced diet that’s rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins while limiting consumption of excessively sugary and acidic foods and drinks will minimize the buildup of bacteria and help preserve tooth enamel.
- Don’t forget to hydrate! Drinking water throughout the day will wash away food particles and bacteria from the surfaces and spaces between your teeth, reducing the risk of plaque buildup.
Celebrating National Dental Hygiene Month in Fredericksburg, VA!
If you’re in the Fredericksburg area and looking for a dental practice to both help you through the process of optimizing your own oral health practices and provide top-quality care when you need it, contact dentist Dr. Mohamed Elnahass and the team at Blue Bird Dentistry to schedule a consultation!