Celebrate Dental Hygiene Month!
National Dental Hygiene Month is celebrated in October each year as a reminder to the nation to follow everyday behaviors that support healthy teeth and gums. The month-long celebration is primarily aimed at children’s oral health, but it also serves to educate adults too. In this article, Dr. Wade, the best dentist in Pinellas Park, FL, shares how to celebrate Dental Hygiene Month with your family.
Main Essentials for Oral Health
National Dental Hygiene Month focuses on the important daily routines that promote healthy teeth and gums. So, Dr. Wade recommends incorporating the following into your daily routine.
- Brushing. The ADHA suggests brushing your teeth twice a day, first in the morning after breakfast and again in the evening soon before going to bed, with a soft toothbrush and fluoride-containing toothpaste.
- Flossing. This should be done once a day, preferably shortly before going to bed, when trapped food particles might do the most harm.
- Well-balanced diet. A diet based on the government’s food pyramid enhances dental health by reducing sugar consumption while also contributing to general physical health. It includes whole grains and dairy products, vegetables, fruits, and nuts, as well as meat, fish, and sweets in moderation.
- Mouthwash. This is an important part of your oral hygiene routine. Additionally, this helps get rid of bad breath and bacteria!
- Chewing sugarless gum. Chewing sugar-free gum for 20 minutes after eating helps to clean debris from teeth, improves saliva production, which helps to regulate acid accumulation, and provides vital minerals to the enamel of the teeth, according to Dr. Ben Kacos, a dentist in Shreveport, LA.
- Inspect the little one’s teeth. Additionally, parents should carefully inspect their children’s teeth once a month for signs of decay or infection, such as cavities and white spots on the gums. They should ensure that their children have frequent dental checkups.
Additionally, the ADHA also suggests that people thoroughly cleans all sides of their teeth. So, don’t forget the ones in the back!
Achieve a Healthy Smile for Life
Although healthy daily habits that lead to healthy teeth should be taught to children as soon as they are old enough to perform them on their own, adults, regardless of age or tooth condition, should adopt the behaviors recommended by this year’s National Dental Hygiene Month. Oral health is a crucial component of overall well-being. At Park Hills Family Dentistry, you will learn the skills necessary to become a trusted member of a dental health care team. Contact Park Boulevard Family Dentistry to get started on your oral health journey. Additionally, we offer patients in Pinellas Park, FL, our special dental savings plan!