October is filled with haunted hayrides, spooky décor, and pumpkins galore. But did you know it’s also National Dental Hygiene Month? While initially it may seem like another social media holiday, it actually serves a very important purpose since cases of tooth decay and cavities skyrocket this time of year. Therefore, there is no time like the present to prioritize preventive care with the below oral hygiene tips!
#1. Don’t Neglect Your Tongue
All too often, patients focus their dental care routine solely on their teeth and gums. However, your tongue takes up a large amount of real estate in your mouth! To prevent bacteria from collecting on it and spreading, make sure to clean it from back to front with your toothbrush or a tongue scraper.
#2. Always Floss
Are you a part of the 30% of Americans who never floss? Then there is no time like the present to start! Since brushing alone only cleans about 60% of the tooth’s surface, neglecting to floss can leave you vulnerable to tooth decay and gum disease. So, make sure to always reach for your floss pick or water flosser before wrapping up your oral care regimen.
#3. Limit Sugary and Acidic Foods
Although delicious, sugary and acidic foods (like soda and candy) can eat away at the enamel on your teeth, leading to staining, decay, and cavities. Therefore, it’s best to leave these treats for special occasions and sip on water instead.
#4. Never Go to Bed Without Brushing Your Teeth
In the colder months, it can be oh-so-tempting to snuggle up under the covers with your favorite book or to binge your latest T.V. show. However, if you end up dozing off before brushing your teeth, the plaque, food particles, and bacteria in your mouth will have 7+ uninterrupted hours to damage your enamel. Fortunately, you can prevent this from happening by brushing your teeth thoroughly before getting into bed.
#5. Visit Your Dentist Biannually
No oral care regimen is complete without frequent trips to your dentist. After all, the tools they have at their office are the only instruments powerful enough to effectively remove stubborn plaque and tartar. Plus, they can catch small dental concerns before they become painful injuries that necessitate an emergency visit to the dentist.
In light of National Dental Hygiene Month, there is no time like the present to upgrade your oral hygiene routine. To make it easy, you can start with the above dental care tips!
About the Author
Before earning her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree, Dr. Megan McInnis graduated Cum Laude from Texas A&M University. Today, she has continued to stay abreast of the latest in dentistry through active memberships with multiple notable dental organizations, including the American Dental Association and the Oregon Dental Association. If you are overdue for your bi-yearly visit or your teeth need some end-of-the-year TLC, visit her website or give her a call at 503-761-1414.