We all know that October is the month when fall weather finally starts to make itself felt in Texas, the State Fair is in full bloom, and the trick-or-treaters can’t wait to start moving from door to door in their quest for candy and other goodies on Halloween.
While all these things are well known, you perhaps didn’t know that October is also Dental Hygiene Awareness Month. In that spirit, your friends at Rio Dental & Orthodontics want to pass on three tips to help you maintain your dental health the year around.
Daily brushing, including your gums and tongue
Twice daily brushing is an essential to maintaining your dental health, but you should be brushing more than your teeth. Far too many of us, we fear, don’t bother to also brush our gums and tongue.
To maintain your oral health it really is essential to remove food particles and bacteria that build up in those hard-to-reach places in your mouth. When you neglect these areas, harmful bacteria are attracted to these substances, and they begin giving off an awful sulfur-like smell that leads to offensive, chronic bad breath. They can also release toxins and enamel-eroding acids that can contribute to gum disease.
To avoid these issues, take a little extra time to brush your tongue and also brush beneath the gum line as well to promote your dental health.
Daily Flossing
The American Dental Association strongly recommends daily flossing as one of the best things you can do to maintain good oral health throughout your life.
To floss correctly, use about 18 inches of floss and wrap the ends around your middle fingers. Floss between all your teeth, and to avoid hurting your gums it’s best to use an up-and-down motion rather than a sawing motion. Initially, your gums may still bleed a little if you haven’t been flossing, but they’ll soon adapt to the process and stop bleeding.
After flossing, rinse with a mouthwash with antimicrobial properties to reduce bacteria and plaque buildup.
Maintaining Oral Hygiene-Friendly Diet
Consuming white dairy products will help maintain the enamel on your teeth. High-fiber vegetables can help remove food debris and plaque from your teeth. While it might not be the choice drink for your children, green tea is full of high antioxidant properties and can help ward off gum disease and tooth decay.
Finally, the American Dental Association and American Dental Hygienists Association recommend chewing sugarless gum after a meal to stimulate saliva flow and wash away food particles from the teeth and gums.
Regular Checkups and Cleanings at Rio Dental & Orthodontics
While home hygiene is essential for your oral health and should be practiced all year long, and not just during dental hygiene month, regular dental checkups and cleanings are equally essential.
At Rio Dental & Orthodontics we offer a full range of services with our Children’s Dentist near Fort Worth, Texas, and throughout the state’s central cities. In pediatric dentistry, we take a careful approach to reduce the anxieties of infants and children when they go to the dentist. By providing a relaxing, child-friendly environment, our pediatric dentist hopes to provide your family with a seamless checkup for your family’s dental health.
For the very best in dental care contact any of our four clinics – Ft. Worth, Dallas, Farmers Branch, and Irving – to schedule your next appointment.
