October is National Dental Hygiene Month

17 Oct October is National Dental Hygiene Month

This year for dental hygiene month the American Dental Hygienists’ Association is collaborating with Wm Wrigley JR Company for the fourth consecutive year. This year’s theme is “Brush. Floss. Rinse. Chew”. The ADHA and Wrigley the maker of Orbits sugar-free gum our working together to improve the nation’s oral health. So what are the “Brush. Floss. Rinse. Chew” guidelines?

Brush

2 minutes, 2 times per day. This is the single most effective way of decreasing decay and gingivitis. Wether you use a manual or an electric always use a soft bristled brush with a fluoride toothpaste. 

Floss

Every day! Yes every day!
Brushing alone cannot remove all the plaque and food particles from your teeth especially in between and below the gum line. Plaque in these areas can build up and cause gum disease and/or cavities.
Flossing is a hard routine to get into. Why aren’t you flossing? Ask yourself and talk to Danielle or Caitlin about it. Maybe there is an easy solution. You could need a new thickness or a tool to make accessing the back of your mouth easier. Once you make flossing a habit your mouth will thank you for it, and so will your body. Flossing daily can add 7 years to your life.

Rinse

With mouthwash –
There are endless options for mouthwash these days. Anti-bacterial, fluoride, whitening, sensitive, dry mouth and any combination just to name a few. At your next cleaning appointment ask your hygienist which is best for your oral health. Teeth are only part of your total mouth so brushing and flossing cannot kill all the germs. Rinsing at the end of your dental hygiene routine is a great way to fight of the bacteria that causes gingivitis.

Chew

Sugar free gum for 20 minutes after meal
Clinical trials have proven that chewing sugar-free gum after meals can reduce the incidence of decay but helping to remineralize enamel. It increases the salivary flow which enhances its ability to lower your plaque ph after eating. Lower ph means less cavities. This only works if it sugar –free!

As dentistry professionals we are all about preventing problems and keeping healthy mouths. So start “Brush. Floss. Rinse. Chew”. hygiene plan for yourself. Danielle and Caitlin are sure to notice the next time you’re in the office. Feel free to ask all your questions and for tips on how to better floss and brush. A healthy mouth is a happy mouth!