October Is National Dental Hygiene Month
October 6, 2017
Dental hygiene is always important. It is a critical component to keeping your mouth healthy. October is a month devoted to awareness about the importance of dental hygiene. In addition to maintaining good oral hygiene at home for you and your family, it is important to keep regularly scheduled checkups and cleanings with your dentist and hygienist. You should visit your dentist at least every six months to allow for a thorough exam and a good, professional cleaning. Dental hygiene, both at home and with dental visits, keep serious problems at bay.
Brush
You should brush your teeth at least twice a day for at least two minutes. Each section of your mouth should be thoroughly brushed including the often-missed interior sides of the teeth (the sides facing the tongue). You should be brushing hard enough to get your teeth clean, but not so hard to cause damage to your gums. If you have young children, be sure to monitor their brushing to make sure they are practicing good technique. You also want to make sure that young children do not swallow large amounts of toothpaste.
Floss
Flossing gives you the chance to get any particles between the teeth that may have been missed during brushing. You should be flossing at least twice a day. Be sure to get between each tooth even the ones at the far back of the mouth. When you are at your routine professional cleaning, your dentist or hygienist may point out problem areas that you may be regularly missing in your home routine. Be sure to use that opportunity to pick up some tips on how to improve your practice.
Rinse
Rinsing the mouth after brushing and flossing can be a great way to remove any excess bacteria. Certain mouthwashes can be helpful for this part of your regimen. It is also helpful to drink plenty of water throughout the day to rinse away harmful substances and bacteria. Chewing sugarless gum can also help to aid in the production of your body’s rinsing agent, saliva, which can help move bacteria out of the mouth.
Dental Hygiene Can Reduce Your Risk of Tooth Decay and Gum Disease
A healthy smile depends on good dental hygiene. To schedule a consultation , call Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry of Kansas City, MO, today at 816-427-4018.