This month might be packed with pumpkin-spice lattes, Halloween costumes, and plenty of candy, but it isn’t all that’s worth celebrating. We need to talk dental hygiene. According to the American Academy for Oral Systemic Health, there is a link between oral health and whole-body health issues such as heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and more. Sound scarier than a haunted house? It doesn’t have to be, we promise. In honor of National Dental Hygiene Month, here are four simple tips to protect your health:
Every October, the dental community celebrates National Dental Hygiene Month. Sponsored by the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) and the Wrigley Oral Healthcare Program (WOHP), National Dental Hygiene Month is designed to increase awareness of how proper dental hygiene is crucial to maintaining a healthy mouth and healthy body. According to the American Academy for Oral Systemic Health (AAOSH) there is a link between oral health and several whole body concerns such as heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and others.
You already know we need to brush our teeth everyday, but what you may not know is how to brush your best. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends brushing twice a day for two minutes each session. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush, scrub in a small, gentle circular motion. This is much more effective than scrubbing aggressively back and forth, and reduces potential damage to tooth enamel.
We get it, not everyone loves flossing. The truth is, when you don’t floss, you miss cleaning up to 40% of your tooth’s surface. Prevent buildup of food particles and bio film instead by flossing. It doesn’t take all that long, and is proven to prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
Mouthwash matters. It not only reduces bad breath (seriously, bad breath is the worst) but also helps kill bacteria. Plus, this minty fresh stuff also lessens the chance of gingivitis, tooth decay, and plaque.
While always brushing your teeth after you eat is ideal, we get that it’s not exactly convenient and doesn’t always happen. When brushing isn’t an option, try chewing a piece of sugar-free gum instead. Sugar-free gum is proven to stimulate saliva production, neutralize plaque acid and even strengthen teeth.
There you have it, four important practices to integrate into your daily routine that can seriously protect not only your dental health, but your whole-body health too.
Here at SLO Smiles in San Luis Obispo, we want you to know that new patients are always welcome. If you’re turned off by the clinical environment found at many dental offices and you’re looking for a family-friendly atmosphere designed with your utmost comfort in mind, schedule an appointment today at (805) 541-0550.
Our SLO Smiles family would be honored to care for your family.
New patients are always welcome at SLO Smiles. Our friendly San Luis Obispo dental team looks forward to meeting you!
