October is National Dental Hygiene Month
Taking care of your teeth is very important to your overall health. Good oral hygiene is imperative in preventing tooth decay and gum disease. Part of good dental care is having the proper oral care items to do the job well.
To assure you do the best possible job brushing, find a toothbrush that fits your mouth comfortably. Everybody’s mouth is different. It is recommended that you use a soft-bristled toothbrush. Hard bristles can damage your teeth and gums. The ADA recommends you change your toothbrush every 3-4 months and definitely after you are sick. If you have a hard time remembering when to change your toothbrush, set a reminder on your phone. Make sure you always have a replacement toothbrush ready and available!
Did you know that by not cleaning in between your teeth, you are missing 35% of your teeth’s surface? Cleaning in between your teeth allows you to reach the areas that your toothbrush cannot reach and helps you to clean under the gum line. Make sure you use enough floss to assure you can use a clean section of floss between each tooth and keep in mind that waved floss generally slides easier. Don’t like to floss? Talk to your dentist about other options.
One of the best tools you can add to your oral hygiene routine is a glass (or more!) of water. Simply staying hydrated is one of your body’s best defenses against tooth decay and gum disease. A dry mouth can create an environment that helps to breed the bacteria that cause cavities and gum disease. You can also use water to rinse throughout the day when you do not have access to a toothbrush.
You can learn more about the basics of oral hygiene by visiting United Concordia’s Dental Health Center at Dental Health Center
To learn more about your oral health, take our My Dental Assessment and get your printable report card today! It’s free and anyone can take it!