6 Tips for a Healthy Smile During National Dental Hygiene Month

The air is crisper, the leaves are changing colors, and October is officially upon us. Do you know what that means? It’s National Dental Hygiene Month! Even though you should be practicing proper dental care year-round, this month is a perfect time to be more aware of your oral health habits. In honor of this special time of the year, here are seven oral hygiene tips you should consider incorporating into your daily routine.

Brush Your Teeth Before Bed

Everyone knows to brush their teeth at least twice a day. Unfortunately, many people neglect to follow that recommendation. Before you call it a night, you must brush your teeth to eliminate bacteria, plaque, and other debris that accumulate throughout the day. Otherwise, you can increase your risk of dental problems like tooth decay, cavities, and even gum disease.

Use a Proper Brushing Technique

It may surprise you to learn that the way you brush is just as important as how often you do it. If you fail to use a proper technique, you can actually do more harm than good for your smile. To remove plaque effectively, you must use a proper brushing technique. Here’s what that looks like:

• Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gums.
• Gently move it in circular motions over the outer surfaces of the teeth.
• Tilt your toothbrush vertically and make several up-and-down strokes to clean the inner surfaces.

Don’t Forget to Clean Your Tongue

Cleaning your tongue is a vital step in your oral hygiene routine. Keeping it clean is essential for maintaining good oral health! Plaque, food particles, and bacteria can easily get trapped in the grooves and crevices on your tongue. If you allow those harmful substances to build up, it can lead to bad breath and other dental health problems.

Use Fluoride Toothpaste

While shopping for toothpaste, make sure you always choose one that contains fluoride! It’s an essential mineral that provides a protective barrier for your teeth, fighting off germs that can lead to tooth decay and cavities. Although fluoride has come under scrutiny by those concerned about how it impacts other areas of health, it remains a mainstay in oral health.

Consider Mouthwash

Do you use mouthwash? Most people don’t because they don’t understand how they work. Well, it actually has several oral health benefits! It can reduce the amount of acid in the mouth, clean hard-to-brush areas in and around the gums, and re-mineralize teeth. If you’re interested in incorporating mouthwash into your routine, ask your dentist for recommendations.

Stay Hydrated

Water is truly the best drink for your mouth and body! To keep your oral health in good shape, you should drink a glass of water after every meal. It’ll help neutralize the acids in your mouth and wash away any lingering food particles.

This month, try to be more aware of your dental care. By incorporating these oral hygiene tips, you can maintain a beautiful, healthy smile that lasts a lifetime!

About the Practice

At Harris Parkway Dental Care, we provide exceptional, state-of-the-art, individually tailored services that are guaranteed to exceed even your highest expectations. Our team uses the latest techniques, technologies, and materials to give you a smile you’ll proudly show off. We’re more than capable of helping you meet all your oral health needs! For more oral hygiene tips, visit our website or call (817) 423-2223.