October is National Dental Hygiene Month

When you think of October, fall foliage, Halloween and candy usually come to mind. Many would be surprised to know that October is National Dental Hygiene Month. It is time to pause and reflect on dental hygiene. This year, NDHM focuses on four main components of dental hygiene: brushing teeth twice a day, flossing everyday, using mouthwash and chewing sugar-free gum.

Brush Those Pearly Whites
Brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes is one of the best things you can do to improve your dental hygiene. When you practice good dental hygiene on a daily basis, your teeth will look clean as a whistle. In addition to the cosmetic and aesthetic benefits of brushing your teeth, brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes can prevent cavities,  plaque and gingivitis.

Dental Floss
While brushing your teeth is essential, it does not cover everything. There are some spots a toothbrush simply cannot reach. That’s where floss comes in. Flossing gets rid of excess food particles and plaque that accumulate between teeth. Flossing can also promote healthy gums.

Mouthwash, Rinse, Repeat
Some people focus on cleaning their teeth and forget about caring for their gums.When used on a daily basis, anti-microbial mouthwash can fend off gum disease.

Walk and Chew Gum
Did you know chewing sugar-free gum after can prevent tooth decay? It’s true! Research has shown that chewing gum after eating or drinking is beneficial to dental health. This is beneficial to your health, since dental hygiene affects your overall well-being.

Web Source: http://www.adha.org/national-dental-hygiene-month

Image courtesy of www.smileandgiggledentistry.com