4 Tips to Celebrate National Dental Hygiene Month

Keeping your smile healthy and your breath fresh is an important part of making good first impressions. Having a grin that makes you feel confident can take you a long way, which is why a thorough and effective at-home oral hygiene routine is so essential. This October is National Dental Hygiene Month, a time of year dedicated to adjusting and tweaking your daily regimen so you can prevent oral health problems from developing. Read on for 4 dental hygiene tips in Arlington to keep your grin as healthy as ever.

Brushing With the Right Tools and Techniques

If you’re experiencing bleeding or irritated gums, it could be because you’re using the wrong kind of toothbrush or technique to brush your teeth. Depending on your unique smile, there is a large selection of toothbrushes you can choose from. However, dentists across the board will agree that soft bristles are an absolute necessity. It only takes a small among of force to remove plaque from your teeth, which is why a soft brush and gentle circular pattern is enough to keep your mouth healthy.

Upgrading Your Flossing Routine

Flossing between each tooth every night can be a difficult task for some people to complete, which is why so many decide to skip flossing altogether. Instead of using regular floss that can be hard to maneuver, try a water flosser. While they’re a more expensive dental hygiene tool, they can do wonders for your oral health. Clinical studies have proven them to be twice as effective than traditional floss at reducing bleeding caused by gingivitis.

Visiting Your Dentist Every Six Months

One of the most vital parts of your routine is visiting your dentist every six months for checkups and cleanings. Even if you’re diligent about brushing and flossing your teeth every day, your dentist has special training and tools that are able to view and treat problems that you can’t even see. With their thorough preventive care, you’ll be able to rest assured knowing you have a clean bill of health and that any small oral health issues that may have arose are treated.

Eating a Healthy Diet

Few patients consider how their oral health is impacted by the foods that they eat. There are certain snacks and products that can aid in the development of oral health problems, and others that protect your teeth and gums from harm. Eating foods like fibrous vegetables and white dairy products will give your body the vitamins and substances it needs to strengthen your enamel and keep harmful oral bacteria from colonizing your mouth.

In 2009, dental hygienists got together to dub October National Dental Hygiene Month because they wanted to give their patients a time of year to optimize their health and learn how to protect their mouth from cavities and infections. The best way to celebrate is to refresh your at-home routine and ask your dentist for recommendations on how to ward off lingering issues. With these four tips in your pocket, you’ll be able to enjoy your natural teeth for decades to come.

About the Author

Dr. Stephen Wardlaw has been practicing dentistry in the great state of Texas for over a decade and is passionate about giving his patients the high-quality preventive treatments they need to maintain beautiful and healthy smiles. Each year, he takes continuing education courses to sharpen his skills and advance his techniques. He’s licensed in administering conscious sedation and remains an active member in countless organizations. For questions or to schedule a routine checkup and cleaning, visit I-20 Family Dental’s website or call 817-572-5115.