October is National Dental Hygiene Month | Celebrate Your Smile
Posted on October 15, 2019
Since October is national dental hygiene month, we’d like to express extreme gratitude to all the hard working dental hygienists in our communities. This is also a time to raise awareness about the importance of having good oral hygiene.
The first dental hygiene school opened in 1913. It was just then that people began realizing how important it was to see a professional for dental hygiene cleanings.
How to help celebrate national dental hygiene month
One way to help celebrate national dental hygiene month, is by thanking your dental hygienist when you go in for annual cleanings. These professionals are often times overlooked, but work extremely hard to keep your teeth and gums as healthy as possible year round, not only in October!
The EASIEST way everyone can celebrate national dental hygiene month is by following the two simple steps below:
1) Brush twice a day
It’s important to remember to brush your teeth twice a day – preferably after breakfast and at night before going to bed. If you forget this important step, all of the sugars from the food and drinks you consumed throughout the day will sit on your teeth and eat away at the enamel.
2) Floss your teeth!
No matter how often you brush your teeth, it’s inevitable to get food stuck in tight places of your mouth. This is why flossing every day is SO important! Tooth decay and gum disease can develop when plaque is allowed to build up on teeth and along the gum lines; flossing helps eliminate this risk.
What if my gums bleed when I floss?
If you are not someone who flosses on a regular basis, your gums will likely start to bleed the first week or two of flossing. This is due to the plaque along the gum line, and inflammation that is present. In other words, it’s a cry for help from your gums! Usually this symptom will go away within a week or so of consistently flossing. If the bleeding does not subside, it’s important to visit with your dentist or dental hygienist about why this might be occurring. For more information on bleeding gums, click here.
Why National Dental Hygiene Month is Important
National Dental Hygiene Month is important because it gives awareness to the importance of good oral health and maintaining it. It’s also a time to re-evaluate your current oral hygiene routine, and find ways to improve.
Without proper dental hygiene, people are at a high risk for issues such as tooth decay and gum disease. Keep in mind that poor oral hygiene can also be extremely costly. It is way more cost effective to maintain good brushing/flossing habits to avoid cavities, root canals, etc.
Straight Teeth Contribute to Good Oral Hygiene
Did you know that having straight teeth makes it easier to keep your teeth clean and your gums healthy? It’s true! When teeth are in proper alignment, it makes brushing and flossing easier and much more efficient. An improper bite can also interfere with chewing, speaking, and cause abnormal wear to the tooth enamel.
Are you looking for ways to improve your oral hygiene this month, but already brush twice a day, floss daily, and use mouth rinse? Then straightening your teeth with braces or Invisalign might be your answer! Visit www.cardinalorthodontics.com to schedule a free consultation and learn more about how straight teeth can improve your overall health.
