As October rolls around, you might be excited about the holiday season starting. However, this month also brings forth National Dental Hygiene Month. It’s prime time to spruce up your smile care; that way, you keep it strong for the many themed sweets ahead. Thankfully, this can be an easy feat. Here are four tips that you should add to your routine to protect your teeth and gums.
Properly Brush Your Teeth
The importance of brushing your teeth has likely already been drilled into your head, but make sure you do it twice a day for two full minutes. Doing this habit right can go a long way in removing plaque that can cause cavities, gum disease, and the like. If you want a refresher on the proper technique, here’s a step-by-step:
- Put fluoride toothpaste on your soft-bristled toothbrush.
- Hold the brush at a 45-degree angle toward your gumline.
- With short, gentle tooth-wide strokes, scrub the outer, inner, and chewing surfaces of your teeth. Use about three fingers’ worth of pressure.
Remember to Floss
Flossing is as important as brushing, so you should do it at least once a day. This habit gets rid of bacteria in places your toothbrush can’t reach, like underneath your gumline and between your teeth. If you aren’t used to taking this step in your routine, then consider putting reminders on your phone or taping a note on your mirror.
Eat a Healthy Diet
You can support your oral health by following a healthy diet. Sugary foods and drinks can lead to cavities since they feed plaque in your mouth and cause it to produce an enamel-dissolving acid. Crunchy and hard items can lead to chips and cracks, as well.
Instead, you should have a balanced plate with leafy greens, lean proteins, fresh fruit, and dairy products. Each group has its own nutrients that give your body the vitamins it needs to stay strong and facilitate your immune system response. Wash them down with water, and you’ll be all set.
Schedule a Visit with Your Dentist
Perfecting your at-home routine is just half of proper smile care. The other is having visits with your dentist. Even if you’re diligent with brushing and flossing, there may be places in your grin you can’t effectively reach. Bacteria buildup can harden, which can’t be removed by regular brushing. Instead, your provider will use state-of-the-art instruments to clean them off. That way, they can’t cause any problems later on.
By keeping up with the tips above, you can keep your grin in great shape this National Dental Hygiene Month. That way, it stays strong for this time of the year and beyond.
About the Practice
Ready for a stronger smile? Our team at Dental Associates of North Dallas is dedicated to helping patients avoid dental problems by offering a wide range of treatments and preventive care. Led by Dr. Richard Shuman and Dr. Haley Hoffman, we can spot the early signs of red flags and give you the effective solution you need. If you need help sprucing up your oral hygiene routine, schedule an appointment or call our office at 214-341-9306.