October may not seem like the best month in terms of your dental health. After all, sugary Halloween candy and sugary pumpkin spice lattes abound at this time of year. To offset this heightened risk of cavities, you’ll want to celebrate National Dental Hygiene Month, which conveniently takes place in October. Whether you’re a pumpkin spice aficionado or you’re avoiding sweets at all costs, your smile will thank you if you implement these five easy oral hygiene tips into your everyday life.
1. Use a Toothpaste That Contains Fluoride
Fluoride is a mineral that is added to most municipal water sources because decades of research have proven that it strengthens tooth enamel, lowering the risk of cavities. However, if you drink mainly bottled water, or if you don’t live in an area with fluoridated tap water, you may not be getting enough fluoride to keep tooth decay at bay.
The next time you buy a new tube of toothpaste, check the label to make sure that it contains fluoride.
2. Don’t Go to Bed Without Brushing Your Teeth
Many people have been brushing their teeth as part of their morning routines, but have neglected to also do so at night. Unfortunately, this allows the plaque and germs that have been building up on your teeth all day to thrive even more. Not to mention, it gives you serious morning breath! Set an alarm to brush your teeth every night before bed; eventually, it will become second nature.
3. Clean Your Tongue, Too
Believe it or not, plaque can build up on your tongue in addition to your gums and teeth. This increases your risk of oral infections as well as bad breath. Every time you finish brushing your teeth, gently scrub your tongue clean from back to front.
4. Add Flossing to Your Daily Routine
Flossing is the only way to remove lingering bits of food from between your teeth. When they’re not cleared away, they can attract bacteria that inflame the gums and lead to gum disease. Since gum disease is the most common cause of tooth loss, you’ll want to avoid it! Flossing once a day, ideally before bed, is typically enough to keep your gums healthy and infection-free.
5. Consider Adding Mouthwash as Well
Mouthwash might seem like just a way to freshen up your breath when you don’t have time to brush, but it should be part of your daily dental care routine. While it’s definitely not a substitute for brushing and flossing, it can supplement those habits by cleaning areas of your mouth that your toothbrush and floss cannot reach. Some mouthwashes can also help with tooth sensitivity or whiten your teeth. Ask your dentist to recommend the type of mouthwash that’s best for your needs.
While these oral hygiene tips are perfect for National Dental Hygiene Month, they can also benefit your smile all year long!
About the Authors
Dr. Dhiren Ahir and Dr. Rajiv Shekhadiya believe in forming genuine, lasting patient relationships, as they wholeheartedly believe it’s the key to providing exceptional dental care. Along with their team at Prime Dentistry, both dentists emphasize preventive care to help you enjoy a healthy, bright smile for life. For personalized advice on keeping your smile healthy, visit their website or call (940) 514-0333.
