Celebrate National Dental Hygiene During the Month of October
Celebrate National Dental Hygiene During the Month of October! The National Dental Hygiene Month’s purpose for this annual event is to raise awareness of habits that promote a healthy smile.
Beautiful strong teeth, fresh breath and healthy gums are all associated with your oral health. Good dental hygiene includes brushing and flossing your teeth every day, along with routine checkups and professional cleanings with Dr. Angela S. Evanson, DDS. Spending 5 – 8 minutes of time on daily dental hygiene routines will help you maintain good dental hygiene for your lifetime.
The American Dental Association focuses on the following four key elements that will help you have a healthy mouth.
Element #1: BRUSH YOUR TEETH
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends brushing your teeth twice a day, for two minutes each time, with a soft-bristled brush. The size and shape of your toothbrush should easily fit your mouth to allow reaching all areas.
There is a proper way to brush your teeth in an effort to reach every surface of your mouth.
- Your toothbrush should be at a 45-degree angle in reference to the gums.
- Move the brush back and forth in gentle strokes that apply to the whole tooth.
- Start with the outer surfaces, move to the inner surfaces and finish with brushing the chewing surfaces of the teeth.
- Finally, brush your tongue to freshen your breath and to remove bacteria on that surface.
Element #2: FLOSS YOUR TEETH
Flossing your teeth is as essential as brushing your teeth. Flossing helps remove plaque and debris that collects between teeth and hard-to-reach tooth surfaces that brushing alone misses. The ADA recommends flossing once a day, preferably at bedtime. Flossing at the end of the day before you go to bed will help eliminate bacteria that causes cavities.
This step-by-step guide for flossing your teeth should answer any questions you may have about the proper way to floss.
Element #3: RINSE YOUR MOUTH WITH ANTIBACTERIAL MOUTHWASH TO KILL GERMS
Rinsing your mouth with antibacterial mouthwash will help eliminate bacteria that brushing and flossing cannot reach. Rinsing is the third element, along with brushing and flossing, that may help reduce the chance of dental decay and infection. There are lots of mouthwash products to choose from. Ask Dr. Evanson if she has a preferred product best suited for your needs. Antibacterial mouthwash, kills germs and fights bad breath and can be purchased over the counter.
Do You Have Periodontitis or Gingivitis?
Dr. Evanson may need to write a prescription for mouthwash that fights gingivitis-causing germs. Prescription mouthwash with Chlorhexidine has a stronger antibacterial property than over-the-counter brands and are the only ones approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for treating gum disease.
Element #4: REGULAR DENTAL APPOINTMENTS AND PROFESSIONAL CLEANING
- Regular dental examinations every 6 months can help prevent tooth loss and a host of other oral problems.
- Gum disease begins when plaque builds up, and it is a major reason for tooth loss in adults. When gum disease progresses, plaque can destroy the bones in your jaw, which causes your teeth to fall out. The chances of this happening is reduced with regular dental appointments and professional cleaning, along with good oral hygiene habits at home.
HOW WILL YOU CELEBRATE NATIONAL DENTAL HYGIENE MONTH?
We have many reasons to celebrate! As citizens living in this country, we have access to the greatest oral health care in the world. Contact our office online, or call (720) 409-0008 to make an appointment with Dr. Evanson. Celebrate National Dental Hygiene Month now and by practicing good oral hygiene at home every day of the year!
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