Make the Most of National Dental Hygiene Month

It’s hard not to love October. It’s a great time of year when most of the country gets a break from the hot weather and the leaves turn beautiful colors. A lot of people look forward to all of the fall-flavored treats that come out during this time, like pumpkin-flavored coffees, doughnuts, and more. However, there’s more to October than just cooler weather and delicious treats.

October is also the month to celebrate National Dental Hygiene Month. It’s all about showing appreciation for your dental hygienists and spreading awareness about the importance of good dental hygiene.

In honor of this fantastic month, let’s talk a bit more about good dental hygiene. Below are some tips that you can use to improve your own oral care routine. If you need more suggestions, reach out to our dental office in Milwaukee, WI. We can provide customized tips to take your oral care to the next level.

Is Dental Hygiene Important Enough to Get a Whole Month?

You probably know that oral hygiene is important. However, is it important enough to dedicate an entire month to it? Absolutely! The truth is that most people don’t take their dental care very seriously. They know that it’s important, but they don’t know that the state of their oral health can affect the health of the rest of their bodies.

That’s right, poor oral health doesn’t just cause tooth decay and gum disease. Studies show that they can lead to other health problems that affect your whole body. For example, did you know that gum disease and tooth decay can cause heart attacks and strokes? That’s reason enough to spread awareness about the importance of dental hygiene and commit a whole month to it.

Dental Hygienists Deserve Thanks Too

Many people thank their dentists when they receive dental care. That’s good because dentists work hard to give you a smile that you can be proud of. However, dental hygienists deserve a little love too. In many cases, dental hygienists are the unsung heroes of the dental world.

Did you know that the American Dental Association estimates that there are close to 200,000 dental hygienists in this country alone? It’s true, and many of the best ones are located in Milwaukee, WI. The next time that you come in for dental work, be sure to thank your dental hygienists, and let them know that you appreciate what they do.

Improving Your Oral Health Routine

Everyone has an oral health routine. Unfortunately, not everyone gets as much out of their routines as they should. Let’s cover some of the ways that you can go about improving your dental care routine. Just keep in mind that your at-home oral care routine is just half the battle. You still have to visit your Milwaukee, WI dentist twice a year to keep your teeth happy and healthy.

Brushing Is Crucial

Saying that brushing is important is an understatement. In reality, brushing is the cornerstone of good oral hygiene. That’s why you should brush your teeth twice daily. Aim for brushing in the morning and then again in the evening before bed. If possible, try to brush your teeth after having lunch as well.

Pay close attention to what you brush your teeth with too. Pick out toothbrushes that have soft bristles. The harder bristles are more likely to damage your gums and the enamel on your teeth.

Also, you should brush your tongue and the roof of your mouth. This is where a vast majority of the germs and bacteria live in your mouth. If you only brush your teeth, you don’t remove this bad breath bacteria.

Flossing Is Important

Like brushing your teeth, flossing is an extremely important part of your dental care routine. It cleans and removes food particles from areas of your mouth that brushing alone can’t reach. These pieces of food cause the formation of bacteria and eventually lead to plaque buildup.

You only need to floss your teeth once a day. A good time to floss is in the evening. Don’t worry so much about the type of floss that you use. Dentists say that it doesn’t matter if you want to use a water flosser or traditional string floss. What really matters is that you floss each and every day.

Rinsing Is Beneficial

One of the easiest ways to take your oral care to the next level is to use rinses. The two most important ones that you can use are mouthwash and fluoride. Typically, you should use the mouthwash in the morning and then the fluoride rinse at night so that it can sit on your teeth longer.

Mouthwash improves your oral health by killing bacteria and germs in your mouth. These are the same germs that can lead to bad breath and gum disease. If you use mouthwash regularly, you can lower your chances of developing the gum disease gingivitis.

As for fluoride rinse, it helps strengthen your teeth, making them less likely to develop cavities. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that your teeth need to strengthen their enamel. While we produce some of the minerals needed to strengthen our teeth naturally in our saliva, it never hurts to give your teeth an extra boost.

Chewing Gum Is Helpful

If you like to chew gum, then you’re in luck! Chewing gum, at least sugar-free gum, is a great way to keep your teeth healthy when you can’t brush. This is because sugar-free gum increases saliva production. You already know that saliva contains minerals needed to improve tooth enamel, but it also helps wash away food particles left in your mouth after a meal.

Remember that while chewing gum doesn’t replace brushing, it makes a good alternative if you can’t brush your teeth. We recommend carrying around some sugar-free gum. You’ll be doing your teeth a favor.

Get Dental Care in Milwaukee, WI

Regardless of the time of year, getting proper dental care in Milwaukee, WI is important. Even if you follow the tips above, you still need professional checkups and cleanings. Thankfully, we can provide the dental services that you need. Contact us today to set up an appointment with one of our friendly staff members.