Dental Hygiene Awareness Month

nat rosasco • October 5, 2020

When thinking about October, your teeth are not usually what comes to mind. Most people are thinking about the changing leaves, the cooler temperatures, fun fall activities such as apple picking, corn mazes, pumpkin patches and of course, Halloween. Eating Halloween candy might be the only time that your teeth and your mouth come to mind actually. However, another wonderful thing about October is it is National Dental Hygiene Month! During this month, dentist and dental hygienists take extra time to devote to the health of their patients’ mouths.

Sponsored by the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA), National Dental Hygiene Month is dedicated to bringing awareness of the importance of establishing a routine dental hygiene routine and keeping both your mouth and body healthy. The American Academy for Oral Systemic Health (AAOSH) has found a link between oral health and several different body health issues, including diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and more.

It is important that we all spend some time this month reviewing our oral health routine and making sure that we are using proper health habits. It is easy to be pressed for time and to rush through your teeth brushing, but The American Dental Association recommends that you brush your teeth for at least two minutes twice a day, using a toothbrush with soft bristles. When you brush, you should guide your toothbrush into small circular motions, instead of brushing back and forth.

It is also recommended that you floss at least once a day and rinsing your mouth out with mouthwash after brushing. When pressed for time, flossing is usually the component that is skipped, but it really is so important to do. Flossing helps to ensure that plaque and bacteria are removed from your mouth so it does not build up over time.

Rinsing your mouth with mouthwash might not seem necessary to some people, but in addition to fighting bad breath, mouthwash also helps to fight gingivitis, plaque and tooth decay. Not all mouthwashes are created equally, so you want to look for one with an ADA Seal of Acceptance on it.

It is also suggested that you brush your teeth after eating something that is high in sugar or if you eat something sticky, such as taffy or caramel. If you are not able to brush your teeth right after eating, you can at least make sure that you rinse your mouth out with water. This can help to get some of the particles out of your teeth.

When you have proper oral hygiene, it can make sure that you do not develop significant oral health problems, such as cavities, abscesses, tooth decay or gum disease. If you have not had your dental checkup yet this year, now is the time to call your dentist and get it scheduled!

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