National Dental Hygiene Month Has Arrived

When people talk about their favorite month, October comes up a lot. Some people like it because of Halloween. Others like it for all of the pumpkin-flavored treats that companies start releasing to celebrate the harvest season. There are even individuals who like it because of the cool weather and the leaves changing color.

Did you know that dentists and dental hygienists love this month too? The reason is that October is officially National Dental Hygiene Month. However, what happens during this national event?

As you may deduce from the name, National Dental Hygiene Month is all about improving your dental hygiene. Many individuals also use this month as a time to show thanks to their dental hygienists, but the main point is to raise awareness about the importance of good dental hygiene.

Let’s take some time to discuss how you can improve your own dental hygiene at home. Just remember that there’s only so much that you can do on your own. Eventually, you’ll have to seek the services of your Connecticut dentist. When you do, consider reaching out to us. We can provide the support that you need to get your teeth clean.

Top Ways to Improve Your Oral Health

How do you go about improving your oral health? This question can be a tough one to answer because you probably have some kind of dental care routine that you already use every day.

The key is to look for weaknesses in your current routine and improve upon them. The improvement could be as simple as brushing more often or adding another element to your dental care routine. Let’s look at some top tips that dentists usually give to their patients.

Start Brushing Twice Daily

The first and most important thing you can do is brush your teeth twice a day. It’s something that you have more than likely been told since you were a child, and for good reason. You should be brushing your teeth in the morning when you get up and at night before you go to bed. If you have the time or the ability, you could also brush in the afternoon after lunch. With that said, not everyone can brush three times a day.

When bruising your teeth, make sure that you spend a minimum of two minutes doing it. According to dentists, that’s how long it takes to clean your teeth properly. Unfortunately, most people only brush their teeth for a few moments before rinsing their toothbrushes. One reason is because they aren’t keeping track of time when they do it. A good solution is to buy an electric toothbrush with a built-in timer, or use a mobile app with a timer feature.

Floss or Water Floss Every Day

When you see your Connecticut dentist, you might be asked about how often you floss because flossing is another cornerstone of proper dental hygiene. Despite this, few people floss as often as they should.

The ultimate goal is to floss your teeth every day to remove the plaque and food particles that get stuck between your teeth. These are the same particles that bad breath bacteria feed on, but your toothbrush can’t quite reach them to clean them away.

If you ask your dentist about whether you should use string floss or a water flosser, the answer is likely that it doesn’t matter. Both do well at flossing. The important thing is that you floss.

Consider Using Mouth Rinses

People often think that there aren’t many ways to improve their oral health care routines. If you aren’t doing so already, though, using mouth rinses can really aid in your fight against tooth decay and gum disease.

There are several rinses to choose from, but we’re going to talk about the two biggest ones that you should work into your dental care routine. The great thing about these two rinses is that they’re fairly inexpensive and easy to use.

The first one that you want to start using is mouthwash. Generally, you should use it in the morning to kill all of the bacteria that builds up in your mouth while you sleep. Mouthwash kills germs and bacteria while leaving your mouth smelling great. Best of all, it improves the health of your gums and can prevent the gum disease gingivitis.

Another rinse that you should be using is fluoride. If you’re unfamiliar with fluoride, it’s a natural mineral that’s used as an active ingredient in a number of dental care products. Manufacturers and dental professionals have been using it regularly for a long time.

While fluoride is most likely in your toothpaste, you should also consider getting a fluoride rinse. You can use this at night before you go to bed to strengthen the enamel on your teeth. Having strong enamel makes you less prone to tooth decay.

Chew On Sugar-Free Gum

Another great way that you can maintain healthy teeth is chewing on sugar-free gum after you eat, especially if you can’t brush. Chewing gum is a fantastic way to break down food particles that might be left on your teeth. Additionally, chewing gum increases the production of saliva in your mouth.

Interestingly, your saliva helps you maintain a healthy mouth in a number of ways. Firstly, it sort of rinses out your mouth by removing food particles that are left over after eating. Secondly, saliva contains a number of minerals that strengthen your teeth. This is why people’s teeth become weak when they have dry mouths.

The Timing Is Perfect for a Dental Cleaning or Exam

When was the last time that you had a dental cleaning or an oral exam? If it has been a while, October is the perfect month to do it. Celebrate National Dental Hygiene Month by booking an appointment and visiting your Connecticut dentist.

Our dental office can help you with a teeth cleaning and an oral checkup. Reach out to us today to let us help you set up your next dental appointment.