Celebrating Dental Hygiene Month
The whole month of October, we’re celebrating Dental Hygiene Month! Below are some of the ways you can celebrate your smile at home.
Tips for a Happy & Healthy Smile
Brush Twice a Day for Two Minutes
Brushing your teeth is an essential part of any oral hygiene regimen. You’d be surprised how much plaque can build up on your teeth just after one day. Brushing twice a day for at least two minutes helps reduce the likelihood of cavities, gum disease, and other dental problems. If you can, try to brush after each meal. Many Easton, PA dentists recommend using ADA approved toothpaste as well as a soft bristle toothbrush.
Dr. Moghadam recommends switching out your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months or as soon as the bristles start to get break down.
Floss
Flossing is just as important as brushing your teeth. It ensures that the small crevices in your mouth are thoroughly cleaned. Those who do not floss daily are more likely to get cavities and develop gum disease.
Here’s how you should floss:
- Use about 18 inches of dental floss and wrap it around two fingers, leaving about 1-2 inches of floss.
- Holding the floss with your thumb and index finger, you will insert the floss between two teeth.
- Gently move the floss up and down, rubbing it against both sides of each tooth (avoid hitting your gums).
- Once you’ve reached your gum line, curve the floss, and move it back and forth between one of the teeth.
- Move the floss to the next set of teeth, repeat the steps above.
Rinse
Incorporating mouthwash into your oral hygiene routine can make a world of difference. Luckily, there’s a mouthwash for everyone! Whether you’re fighting bad breath, plaque cavities, or wanting whiter teeth. Dr. Moghadam recommends finding an ADA approved mouthwash for the best results.
Chew
Studies have shown that chewing sugar-free gum helps put a stop to tooth decay. Gum naturally helps produce more saliva, which fights off cavities. Harmful bacteria and food particles will be washed away. Dr. Cody Boals, a dentist in Colorado Springs, points out that those suffering from dry mouth would benefit greatly from chewing sugar-free gum.
Why National Dental Hygiene Month is Important
- Encourages Good Oral Health – Good oral health takes a little bit of time each day, but it’s all worth it in the end. Without a proper oral hygiene regimen, you are at risk of developing serious dental problems. Our teeth are meant to last a lifetime, but you have to give them love and care. There’s an old saying, “You don’t have to brush your teeth, just the ones you want to keep.”
- Celebrates Hard Working Hygienists – College Hill Dental Group has been serving the Easton, PA community since 1944. We’ve had the honor of seeing generations of patients, and National Dental Hygiene Month is the perfect holiday to celebrate our hard-working hygienists.
- Keeps Us Accountable For Our Health – Studies have linked gum disease to other serious diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, respiratory disease, osteoporosis, and more. Taking the time to take care of our smiles will have a positive effect on our overall health.
Our College Hill Dental Group team encourages you and your loved ones to take steps in the right direction. If you need a family dentist in Easton, PA, turn to College Hill Dental Group. We offer a wide range of dental services, including cosmetic dentistry, restorative dentistry, and emergency dental care.
