National Dental Hygiene Month
Celebrate National Dental Hygiene Month
Happy National Dental Hygiene Month! This month is one of our favorite times of the year. Who wouldn’t want to celebrate a happy and healthy smile? This is a great excuse to get the whole family’s oral hygiene back on track. A consistent dental hygiene routine paired with the help of your dentist in Lexington, KY will be key to a bright and beautiful smile. Continue reading below to learn how you celebrate your National Dental Hygiene Month.
The Essentials of Oral Health
National Dental Hygiene Month focuses on the important daily routines that promote healthy teeth and gums. They are as follows:
- Brushing. The ADHA suggests brushing your teeth twice a day, first in the morning after breakfast and again in the evening soon before going to bed, with a soft toothbrush and fluoride-containing toothpaste.
- Flossing. This should be done once a day, preferably shortly before going to bed, when trapped food particles might do the most harm.
- Consuming nutritious foods. A diet based on the government’s food pyramid enhances dental health by reducing sugar consumption while also contributing to general physical health. It includes whole grains and dairy products, vegetables, fruits, and nuts, as well as meat, fish, and sweets in moderation.
- Mouthwash. This should be done on a daily basis. Our friend Dr. Josh Eastham, a dentist in Grand Junction, CO, says that mouthwash can help eliminate harmful bacteria and bad breath.
- Chew sugarless gum. Chewing sugar-free gum for 20 minutes after eating helps to clean debris from teeth, improves saliva production, which helps to regulate acid accumulation, and provides vital minerals to the enamel of the teeth, says Dr. Jinyoung Kim.
- Check for signs of decay. Additionally, parents should carefully inspect their children’s teeth once a month for signs of decay or infection, such as cavities and white spots on the gums. They should ensure that their children have frequent dental checkups.
- Switch out your toothbrush. Getting a new toothbrush is also important. It’s recommended that you do so every few months or when the bristles start to wear down.
Contact The Best Lexington Dentist
Healthy dental habits should be taught at a young age. This will ensure that you have strong and healthy teeth in your adulthood. However, if you have poor oral hygiene, it may not be too late to start! Contact Park Hills Family Dentistry to schedule your next oral hygiene cleaning. We will help you and your family get back on top of optimal oral health.