National Oral Hygiene Month
National Oral Hygiene Month wants to raise awareness of oral health habits that promote a healthy smile.
Strong teeth and healthy gums are part of your oral health. Brushing and flossing every day is an important routine, along with regular checkups every 6 months, and professional cleanings with Dr. Angela S. Evanson. DDS of Parker, Colorado.
Good dental hygiene practices will help you maintain a healthy smile during this month and beyond.
Elements of Good Oral Hygiene
Organizations like the American Dental Hygienists Association and American Dental Association make dental hygiene easy by focusing on the following key ingredients.
BRUSH YOUR TEETH TWICE A DAY
According to the Mayo Clinic consumer website, the American Dental Association recommends brushing your teeth twice a day, for two minutes, with fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush.
Believe it or not, there is a recommended way to brush your teeth:
- Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gums.
- Gently move the brush back and forth in short (tooth-wide) strokes.
- Brush all outer surfaces, the inner surfaces, and the chewing surfaces of the teeth.
- Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and keep your breath fresh.
Replace your toothbrush if the bristles are frayed, usually every 3-4 months. The ADA recommends the following toothbrushes.
- Your toothbrush should have soft bristles and make sure the bristles are big enough to brush one or two teeth at a time.
- It should easily fit in your mouth, so you’re able to reach all areas easily.
- It should be ADA approved to assure you’re getting a good product.
FLOSS AT LEAST ONCE A DAY
Flossing your teeth is a vital element of taking care of your teeth and gums. Flossing removes debris that collects between teeth which tooth brushing misses in the hard-to-reach areas of your mouth. The ADA recommends cleaning between your teeth at least once a day. If this debris and plaque is not removed, it can eventually harden into tartar. Flossing stimulates the gums and helps to reduce the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Flossing is ideal at the end of the day allowing you to sleep with a fresh, clean mouth overnight, and keeping cavity causing bacteria in check. There are also guidelines on how to properly floss your teeth, so that you are getting the most out of how you spend your time.
RINSE Your Mouth with Antibacterial Mouthwash
Rinsing your mouth with antibacterial mouthwash after brushing and flossing will help eliminate bacteria that brushing and flossing miss. Rinsing may help reduce the chance of dental decay and infection.
Do You Have Halitosis?
Antibacterial mouthwash also fights bad breath. The ADA Seal of Acceptance include over-the-counter antibacterial mouthwashes that contain eucalyptol, methyl salicylate, thymol, and menthol antibacterial formulas. These products will effectively reduce gum disease and plaque by up to 75 percent. Look for that ADA seal of acceptance.
ROUTINE DENTAL EXAMS AND PROFESSIONAL CLEANING ARE VITAL
- Routine dental exams help to prevent tooth loss.
- Dental problems are more easily corrected when they are caught early.
- Gum disease begins when plaque builds up, and is a major cause of tooth loss in adults.
Without removal, plaque moves into the tooth where it can destroy the bone that supports your jaw. This causes teeth to loosen and fall out. The chances of this happening is greatly reduced by having regular dental cleanings and good oral hygiene habits at home.
Celebrate National Dental Hygiene this month by practicing good oral hygiene and make an appointment with Dr. Evanson. Contact our office online, or call (720) 409-0008 and love your clean mouth!
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