The words “October” and “excitement” naturally bring to mind visions of candy and costumes, but we look forward to this time of year for an even better reason. October is Dental Hygiene Month! Are you ready to focus on keeping your teeth and mouth as healthy as possible? Here are a few tips to make the process an easier one.
- Take your time when brushing your teeth
Our first tip is all about brushing your teeth. You might know that this is an important daily activity, but do you know how long you should spend on it every day? You should spend at least two to three minutes at least twice a day. At a minimum, in other words, you should be spending six minutes a day cleaning your teeth.
Remember to be gentle!
- Clean your mouth, not just your teeth
Of course, brushing your teeth is important, but your oral health depends on more than just a bright smile. Your entire mouth should be cleaned every day. One easy way to do this is to use an antimicrobial mouthwash every day. Check out alcohol-free options if you find that the full-strength options burn your mouth!
- Have a piece of gum
If you have found that your morning breath lingers or that it telegraphs exactly what you had for lunch, you should try eating a piece of gum. Sugar-free gum is a good way to clean your teeth, increase saliva flow, and freshen your breath at the same time.
- Cut down on sugar
A healthy diet is an important factor in the health of your teeth. Too much sugar can allow bacteria to thrive inside your mouth, where it will eventually become a problem – possibly a painful one. Eliminate as much sugar from your diet as possible to promote good oral health!
Don’t forget to visit your dentist regularly! Give us a call today, and we can get you scheduled.