Dental hygiene is always important, but this month is an extra special time for regular brushing and flossing. It’s National Dental Hygiene Month! Now’s the perfect opportunity to establish a solid cleaning routine or upgrade your dental equipment.
If you feel a little caught off guard, don’t worry. Commit to following these dental hygiene habits for at least the next couple of weeks, and you’ll have successfully celebrated your teeth – just in time for Halloween!
Brush Your Teeth Twice Daily
Your mouth accumulates bacteria both during REM sleep and as you go about your day. That means to thoroughly scrub these harmful troublemakers from your teeth, you should brush when you wake up and before you go to bed.
But why is oral bacteria accumulation a problem? Well, when bacteria is left to sit on your pearly whites, it hardens into plaque, which irritates your teeth and gums. Ultimately, it leads to serious dental conditions like tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease. It’s best to wash away these unwelcome invaders!
Don’t Forget Your Tongue
Bacteria doesn’t discriminate, though. It likes to settle on top of organic matter, which includes your soft oral tissues and tongue. Neglecting to brush your tongue will make it look and smell funky, but could also lead to bacteria accumulation. Try not to forget about this important area!
Take Advantage of Fluoride
Fluoride might sound like a scary chemical that was cooked up in a lab, but actually, it’s a naturally occurring mineral commonly found in water and vegetables. It also just so happens that Fluoride is excellent at protecting teeth from cavities and decay. So if you see this ingredient on a toothpaste bottle, take advantage and bring it right up to the cash register for purchase.
Visit Your Dental Professional Regularly
At-home cleanings are crucial for mitigating everyday bacterial growth. However, there’s some bacteria that’s tough for a plain ‘ol toothbrush to eliminate. Your dentist can clean your pearly whites much more thoroughly, as well as check on your oral health.
These two services constitute what’s known as preventative care. The idea is to prevent dental disaster from happening with routine maintenance and regular exams. If you haven’t met your twice-yearly quota, be sure to schedule a checkup and cleaning during National Dental Hygiene Month!
About the Dentist
Dr. Wael M. Kassem earned his dental doctorate from Temple University and is a proud member of the Academy of General Dentistry. He diligently pursues advanced training opportunities and makes sure his office is equipped with the latest dental technology. If you’re wanting to celebrate National Dental Hygiene Month with some preventative care, Dr. Kassem would be happy to do the honors! To contact his office, call 856-818-9998.
