It might seem counterintuitive that October is National Dental Hygiene Month, considering this month is chock full of candy consumption. However, your dentist knows the value of keeping your mouth healthy despite lots of snacking on sweets. The best way to ensure oral hygiene is to schedule a dental checkup in Portland. Other than that, here are 4 ways you can observe National Dental Hygiene Month.
Brush
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that you brush twice a day, ideally first thing in the morning and last thing before you go to bed. They also suggest using fluoridated toothpaste, as fluoride provides a little extra boost of protection in the fight against tooth decay and gum disease. Finally, use a toothbrush with soft bristles. Hard bristles can be too aggressive and erode tooth enamel, leaving your pearly whites more vulnerable to sensitivity and cavities.
Floss
Recent news may have left some people questioning whether flossing each day is really necessary, but your dentist in Portland will say that it definitely is. Flossing removes plaque from between the teeth that the bristles on your toothbrush just can’t reach. When plaque isn’t removed, it hardens into tartar, which attacks the gums and results in gum disease.
Rinse
Brushing and flossing can only eliminate so much bacteria from your mouth. After all, your teeth only account for a small portion of your mouth. That’s where mouthwash comes in. Rinsing with mouthwash can help clean all the soft tissues in your mouth that brushing and flossing alone just can’t. Just make sure to stay away from mouthwash with alcohol, as that could wind up giving you a not-so-fun case of dry mouth.
Chew
The ADA has suggested that chewing sugarless gum for 20 minutes following a meal or snack can lower your risk for tooth decay. The act of chewing sugar-free gum increases the creation of saliva in your mouth. Saliva rinses your mouth out of excess food debris and bacteria, so you want as much of it as you can get. You might not be able to whip out your toothbrush or floss in the middle of the workday, but chewing sugar-free gum can be the next best thing.
With National Dental Hygiene Month in full swing, now is the perfect time to implement these 4 habits into your daily life. Your gums and teeth will be healthy, and you’ll have fresher breath to boot!
About the Author
Dr. Megan McInnis is a 2013 graduate of Texas A&M Health Science Center Baylor College of Dentistry in Dallas, TX. Currently, she practices at RiverPlace Dental in Portland, OR. She maintains memberships in the American Dental Association and the Oregon Dental Association. If you need to schedule a teeth cleaning in Portland, you can contact Dr. McInnis’ office at (503) 761-1414.