October is National Dental Hygiene Month
National Oral Health Month is celebrated during the month of October. Everyone loves a clean mouth, and keeping your mouth clean on a regular basis is worth celebrating, not just for a day, but for the entire year. Fresh breath, strong teeth and healthy gums are all part of our oral health and this month is dedicated to promoting healthy mouths all-across the country.
The goal of National Dental Hygiene Month is to raise awareness of habits that promote a healthy smile. Organizations like the American Dental Hygienists Association and American Dental Association (ADA) focus on the following key ingredients for good oral health.
Dental Hygiene Month: Steps for Good Oral Health
Your Toothbrush Matters
- Use a toothbrush that is approved by the American Dental Association (ADA).
- Dental professionals recommend a soft-bristled toothbrush that will clean your teeth, and remove plaque and debris without damaging your gums and enamel.
- Replace your toothbrush at least every three months, or sooner if yours is worn out.
- Electric toothbrushes have some advantages, such as a 2-minute timer to let you know when you’ve brushed long enough.
- To wade through the myriad of choices in the world of electric toothbrushes, check out a consumer buying guide.
Daily Brushing and Flossing Between Your Teeth
- Now that you have the right toothbrush, develop healthy habits such as brushing and cleaning between your teeth to prevent cavities.
- The ADA recommends that you brush for two minutes, twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
- It’s inevitable that your toothbrush will miss some of the debris in your mouth, so floss before bed so that your mouth is clean overnight.
Rinse With Mouthwash After Brushing and Flossing
- Consistently brushing and flossing are the first steps to good oral health, followed by rinsing with mouthwash to eliminate biofilm and bacteria that brushing and flossing cannot reach.
- Rinsing with mouthwash can help reduce the chance of dental decay and infection.
- There are many mouthwash products to choose from, so consult with Dr. Angela S. Evanson, DDS to see what type of mouthwash she recommends for your specific use.
Practice Healthy Nutrition Habits
- What you consume affects your overall health and the health of your teeth and gums.
- Sugars give cavity-causing bacteria something to thrive on. When that happens, acid is produced that can attack your enamel and cause it to weaken.
- Healthy foods that contain protein and calcium can strengthen your teeth. Ask Dr. Evanson about specific foods that she recommends for your dental health. She can also help you find strategies to cut out sugary snacks for kids and adults!
Drink Water from the Tap
- The healthiest beverage for your teeth is water—especially fluoridated water.
- Bottled water from the grocery store is handy, but studies have shown that drinking water with fluoride can help prevent tooth decay by at least 25 percent.
- Bottled water is not typically fluoridated.
- Most tap water is treated with fluoride, it is less expensive and it’s better for the environment to keep all those plastic bottles out of the landfill.
Dental Hygiene Month: Regular Dental Checkups Every Six Months
One of the most important steps to good oral health is to see Dr. Evanson twice a year. Regular dental exams can help prevent tooth loss when dental problems are caught early, they are more easily corrected. The chances of tooth loss can be greatly reduced through regular dental cleanings combined with good oral hygiene habits at home.
Plan now to celebrate Oral Health Month! A good place to start is to make an appointment with Dr. Evanson, by calling (720) 409-0008 or contact our office online, and make a commitment to take action to protect your oral health all month long!
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