10/12/2017
October is National Dental Hygiene Month!
The Daily 4
The main focus of this month is on the top four necessary components of a proper at home oral hygiene routine:
Brushing
Make sure to brush twice a day for two minutes each. You should select a soft-bristled toothbrush and a small, gentle circular motion instead of a back and forth scrubbing technique to reduce potential damage to your enamel.
Flossing
When you only brush your teeth and don’t floss you’re missing out on cleaning about 35% of each tooth. Make sure you’re removing as much bacteria and plaque as possible by flossing in between each tooth and up under the gum line.
Rinsing
The right product can help reduce bad breath, gingivitis, decay, and plaque. Look for one that has the ADA Seal of Acceptance. This means the product has been scientifically tested.
Chewing
Brushing after you eat is ideal, but may not be possible for everyone all the time. When you can’t brush after a meal, chew a piece of sugarless gum instead. Chewing gum helps produce saliva which aids in neutralizing bacteria that may be left over from your meal.
We encourage our patients to follow The Daily 4 diligently for a healthy mouth. However, it’s still important to maintain dental cleanings and bi-annual check ups with your dentist. These visits help remove what you just can’t get at home and ensure there are no problems lurking in your mouth. Call to schedule your next visit!
