October marks the arrival of a few things: cooler autumn weather, Halloween season, and of course, Dental Hygiene Month! That said, you should take some time this month to educate yourself about how to properly take care of your pearly whites; after all, they’re a very important asset. Continue reading below for a few sensible oral health habits your dentist thinks you should be sure to adopt all month long—and beyond!
Tip #1. Take Care of Things at Home
You’ve probably heard your whole life that you should brush and floss your teeth daily—and this is absolutely true! Daily hygiene is the secret to maintaining a healthy smile, and it starts in front of your bathroom mirror each morning. Be sure that you’re using a soft-bristled toothbrush coupled with fluoride toothpaste, brushing for two minutes each session. As for flossing, both waxed and non-waxed variants are effective, as are traditional strands of floss as well as oral irrigators. Finally, don’t forget to complete your daily regimen by rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash.
Tip #2. A Healthy Diet Goes a Long Way
Oral hygiene is certainly the foundation of a healthy smile—but you shouldn’t shrug off the impact that the right diet can have! A balanced diet doesn’t just keep your waistline slim and your body healthy, but it also provides huge benefits for your teeth and gums. Limit sugary snacks and drinks, especially during Halloween, as sugar is a primary fuel source for the oral bacteria responsible for cavities and gum disease. Instead, opt for a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products like cheese and yogurt, which are excellent sources of calcium.
Tip #3. You Can’t Do It Completely Alone
Your dentist is your greatest ally in the ongoing battle against tooth decay, gum disease, and other issues that might plague your smile. That said, be sure you’re seeing them at least twice a year for routine preventive care; these visits give them the chance to scope out hidden issues with your teeth before they have the chance to worsen. Not to mention, your dentist will remove built-up plaque and tartar that your toothbrush at home isn’t quite able to handle.
Finally, it’s always worthwhile to self-assess your habits—whether it’s the tendency to eat too much candy, smoke cigarettes or use tobacco, bite your nails when you’re nervous, or anything else that might be harmful to your teeth, try to show restraint. While Dental Hygiene Month highlights the importance of caring for your smile, it’s not the only month in which you should do so. That said, these tips are certain to help keep you smiling brightly.
About the Author
Dr. Hal M. Lippard, affectionally dubbed “Dr. Hal” by his patients, has proudly served the dental needs of the Charlottesville, VA community for several years. His practice is thrilled to offer a wide range of preventive, cosmetic, and restorative treatment options. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to arrange an appointment this month for you or a loved one, feel free to contact Dr. Hal’s team online or over the phone for additional information or assistance. Telephone: (434) 293-9311.