Dental Hygiene Month

dental hygiene month - Easton PA

Help Us Celebrate Dental Hygiene Month

October is National Dental Hygiene Month! At College Hill Dental Group, we’re happy to celebrate our hardworking dental hygienists. We wouldn’t be able to provide the best dental services in Easton, PA, without them. We want to express our gratitude to all hygienists and recognize their dedication to keeping patients healthy in this blog. To help celebrate this month, we’re highlighting some of the things your dental hygienist does when you visit for a dental cleaning. 

What Are the Duties of Dental Hygienists?

Many patients believe that hygienists are simply responsible for just cleaning teeth. The truth is that they do a lot more. In fact, it is not uncommon for patients to see and spend more time with their hygienists than with their dentists. Of course, every state is different, but the hygienist’s precise duties may fluctuate appropriately. There are several common activities that many hygienists accomplish on a daily basis. Below, Dr. Dave Moghadam, a dentist in Easton, PA, shares key tasks your dental hygienist does for each visit:Helps New Patients – When you initially begin seeing a new dentist in Easton, PA, your hygienist will normally begin by examining some paperwork that contains your dental health history and overall health history. They will update this information at each appointment to ensure best care.

Professional Teeth Cleaning 

We all know that a dental hygienist’s primary responsibility is to clean teeth and remove any plaque or tartar buildup. Our hygienists will also screen you for oral cancer, take x-rays, and measure your gum pockets to check for gum disease. Read this article to learn more about the stages of gum disease.

Preventing Dental Problems 

While cleaning your teeth, your hygienist is also paying particular attention to any regions of your mouth that may require a closer examination by your Easton PA dentist. Dental hygienists may also apply fluoride or sealants to your teeth. This is to prevent acids and germs from causing tooth damage or to alleviate tooth discomfort. Our friend, Dr. Wade, a dentist in Pinellas, Park, FL, highly recommends fluoride treatments for patients who are struggling with keeping away cavities.

Helps With At-Home Dental Hygiene 

Another thing that hygienists excel at is teaching patients how to brush, floss, and care for their teeth properly. They may also provide nutrition advice to help protect your dental health. When you visit College Hill Dental Group for a routine cleaning and checkup, please don’t hesitate to ask your hygienists questions about your oral health!

Why College Hill Dental Group

Our hygienists aren’t like any other hygienist. Although you have to be certified and complete the training to be hired, that’s not all we look for. At College Hill Dental Group, our team is compassionate, friendly, and considered family. Take time this month, and every month, to appreciate your dental hygienist for everything they do to keep you healthy. Also, if you’re due for a dental cleaning, contact College Hill Dental Group in Easton, PA, to schedule your next visit!

Celebrating Dental Hygiene Month

dental hygiene month - College Hill Dental Group

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:

  1. Use about 18 inches of dental floss and wrap it around two fingers, leaving about 1-2 inches of floss.
  2. Holding the floss with your thumb and index finger, you will insert the floss between two teeth.
  3. Gently move the floss up and down, rubbing it against both sides of each tooth (avoid hitting your gums).
  4. Once you’ve reached your gum line, curve the floss, and move it back and forth between one of the teeth.
  5. 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.