Did you know that October is National Dental Hygiene Month? While you should be taking proper care of your smile year-round, this month is the perfect time to freshen up your oral hygiene routine. There are certain practices you can do every day that’ll do wonders for your teeth and gums. In honor of this special time of the year, consider implementing the following tips into your daily routine for a healthier grin.
Brush Your Teeth Before Bed
To maintain good oral health, everyone should be brushing their teeth twice a day for at least two minutes each time. However, there are some people who neglect their nighttime brushing right before bed. It’s essential for getting rid of germs, plaque, and other unwanted debris that accumulate throughout the day. Failing to clean your teeth before bed can increase your risk of cavities, decay, and gum disease.
Use the Proper Brushing Technique
Believe it or not, the way you brush is just as important as how often you do it. If you use an incorrect technique, it can do more harm than good for your smile. The only way to effectively remove plaque is by using a proper brushing technique. You need to place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gums and gently move it in circular motions over the outer surfaces of the teeth. For the inner surfaces, tilt the brush vertically and make several up-and-down strokes.
Clean Your Tongue
Although it’s often overlooked, cleaning your tongue is an essential step in your oral hygiene routine. Plaque, food particles, and bacteria can easily get trapped in the crevices on your tongue. You need to clean your tongue regularly to maintain good oral health. Otherwise, you may develop bad breath and other dental problems.
Floss Every Day
Some people skip flossing because they’re in a rush or it makes their gums bleed. However, this step is just as important as brushing. It helps eliminate any food particles, bacteria, plaque, and other unwanted debris from between your teeth. Additionally, flossing stimulates the gums and minimizes inflammation in the area.
Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Everyone needs to visit their dentist every six months for a checkup and cleaning. These routine appointments are essential for spotting, treating, and preventing oral health issues before they turn into serious complications. Not only that, but they’ll also professionally clean your teeth to keep them looking as beautiful and healthy as ever.
Since it’s National Dental Hygiene Month, you should aim to be more aware of your oral health. With these tips, you can maintain a strong and healthy smile for life!
About the Practice
At Premier Family Dental, we’ve helped patients achieve and maintain optimal oral health for over 25 years now. From routine checkups to complex restorative treatments, our practice has everything you need for a healthy smile. To learn more ways to celebrate National Dental Hygiene Month, visit our website or call (254) 732-0309.