National Dental Hygiene Month was coined in 2009 by dental hygienists. They wanted their patients to have a month dedicated to tweaking their at-home routines, learning about the importance of preventive care, and optimizing their oral health. Having healthy teeth and gums doesn’t just come naturally, people have to be diligent about brushing and flossing every day. When you take care of your mouth, you’re taking care of your overall wellbeing as well, which makes this month about more than a beautiful-looking grin. Read on to learn four tips to keep your health in tip-top shape this National Dental Hygiene Month.
Upgrade Your Oral Hygiene Products
Whether you’re not a skilled brusher and flosser or you just don’t like doing it, upgrading your oral hygiene tools can make your routine more effective and efficient. While sonic and electric toothbrushes are more costly than manual ones, they’re known to do a better job at removing plaque and food debris from your mouth. Various studies have shown that these high-tech gadgets reduce plaque by 21 percent more than regular toothbrushes and the development of gingivitis by 11 percent.
Most people have difficulty maneuvering dental floss or find the process too tedious to even bother with. If you consider yourself in one of these categories, try switching to a water flosser. They’re easier to use and have been proven to be twice as effective at reducing gum bleeding than regular floss.
Visit Your Dentist For a Routine Checkup and Cleaning
A semi-annual dental checkup in Anthem plays a vital role in diagnosing oral health problems while they’re still easy to treat. With the proper preventive care, including professional cleanings, you can reduce your risk of developing common oral health problems like cavities, gum disease, and tooth infections. They can also spot problems that are hidden underneath the surface that you wouldn’t be able to see or feel otherwise.
Don’t Forget to Floss Daily
The American Dental Association recommends flossing every day to maintain healthy teeth and gums. Although these small areas in between your teeth don’t seem like they can collect plaque and food debris, they certainly can. When these harmful substances build up, it can also increase your risk of developing gum disease.
Brush Your Tongue Regularly
On the surface of your tongue are small, sticky bumps called papillae that catch food particles. If you forget to clean your tongue every morning and evening while you’re brushing your teeth, these particles can mix with your saliva and stick to your teeth, causing harmful oral bacteria accumulation. To keep your breath minty fresh and stay approachable, be sure to clean your tongue every time you brush your teeth. You can also rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash as well.
This National Dental Hygiene Month is the perfect time to schedule an appointment with your dentist in Anthem. When you tweak your at-home oral routine and get high-quality preventive care, you can rest-assured that your mouth will stay happy and healthy for decades to come.
About the Author
Dr. Lori Anderson is passionate about providing all of her patients with high-quality comprehensive care, including preventive treatments like routine checkups and cleanings. She uses the latest technology that dentistry has to offer such as intraoral cameras, digital X-rays, and Diganodent®, which detects cavities with greater accuracy. This way, she can keep small issues from turning into more severe ones down the road. For questions or to schedule a semi-annual appointment, visit Anderson Dental’s website or call 480-455-7411.
