With Halloween on the 31st, October is typically associated with candy, costumes, and more candy. However, it’s also Dental Hygiene Awareness Month! For that reason, there’s truly no time like the present to take a good look at your oral care regimen and see what can be improved. If you’re unsure where to start, here are a few best practices that will keep your teeth and gums happy and healthy throughout the years.
1. Brush for a Full Two Minutes Each Morning and Evening
Brushing twice a day is a great first step. However, the amount of time you brush also matters. To effectively remove food particles, plaque, and the like, you need to dedicate a full two minutes to this oral hygiene habit each morning and evening. Also, make sure you change your toothbrush every 3-4 months – the bristles can get quite dirty!
2. Floss Daily – No Exceptions!
Since brushing only cleans about 60% of the surface of your teeth, you need to floss every day. If you don’t, then the food particles and debris trapped between your teeth will be left alone to decay, negatively impacting the health of your teeth and gums in the process.
Note: If you are having trouble making flossing a habit, try using a different tool! Oral irrigators are extremely popular because they are easy to use, effective, and cut down on the amount of time you spend flossing.
3. Rinse with an Antimicrobial Mouthwash for 30-60 Seconds
Even if you brush and floss thoroughly, food particles and other debris can linger, especially between your teeth, along your gumline, and on your tongue. That’s why you should rinse with an antimicrobial mouthwash each evening. Remember to follow the directions on the back too – this will give you important information, like how much to use and how long to rinse.
4. Keep Foods with Added Sugar to a Minimum
Since October is the month of Pumpkin Spice Lattes and Halloween candy, this may seem like a tall order. However, it’s extremely important that you keep your intake of added sugar to a minimum since it’s one of the leading causes of tooth decay. Don’t worry – that doesn’t mean you have to completely avoid all of your favorites. Just make sure to focus on adding nutrient-dense, vitamin-rich foods to your plate as well. It’s all about balance!
About the Doctor
Dr. Joseph Costa’s career in dentistry is filled with several impressive accomplishments, including graduating cum laude from Harvard University School of Dental Medicine and becoming a Master of the Academy of General Dentistry. Plus, he has more than 30 years of experience helping patients maintain, restore, and enhance their smiles! If you want to learn more about your oral health during Dental Hygiene Awareness Month or you’d like to schedule a consultation, visit our website or call (508) 755-1980.