October is National Dental Hygiene Month. We are happy to recognize the amazing dental hygienists at Berger Dental for their hard work and keeping our mouths clean! Dental hygienists are on the frontline helping patients fight tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health conditions. Here are some tried and true hygiene tips for optimal oral health.
Beware of beverages: While it seems like a drink won’t stick to your teeth like food, it actually will. Drinks high in sugar and with carbonation (ahem, soda!) are possibly the worst of the worst for your teeth. Be wary of fruit juices labeled “healthy” and “all natural” because they are probably pumped with sugar. Sugar isn’t the only issue with the beverages we consume. Staining is another problem. Coffee, tea, wine…sip cautiously and with a (reusable) straw if possible!
Brush 2x2: The ADA recommends brushing your teeth twice daily for two minutes each time. Brushing helps remove food and plaque (sticky white film that contains bacteria). It’s best to brush in the morning and again at night before you go to bed. Avoid snacking or drinking anything other than water after you’ve brushed for the evening. Hopefully you’re already brushing twice daily, but are you consistent with brushing for the full two minutes each time? That can be a challenge, especially when you’re in a hurry. Invest in a cheap timer or sing your favorite song to ensure that you’re logging your time!
Choose good tools: Toothbrush and toothpaste…check and check! These days, the options can be overwhelming with the assortment of toothbrushes and toothpaste. Electric or manual? Fluoride or all natural? Dental professionals encourage the use of a soft-bristled toothbrush, and preferably electric or battery-operated if you can splurge a bit. If used properly, a manual toothbrush can do the job just fine, but an electric toothbrush allows a little room for “user error” (AKA not hitting all the nooks and crannies). As for toothpaste, the ADA always recommends a fluoride toothpaste to fight decay.
Feed your teeth: Your teeth have an important role when it comes to eating, but they also can reap the benefits of a healthy diet and suffer the consequences of unhealthy food choices. Sticky, sugary foods like candy are up on the naughty list with soda. Foods loaded with carbohydrates like crackers, cookies, and breads are also known to contribute to decay if eaten in excess. Your best options for a healthy mouth include fruits, veggies, dairy, lean proteins, and nuts. Crunchy produce like apples and carrots are saliva stimulators!
Floss like a boss: Brushing and flossing go hand in hand. If you skimp on flossing, then you’re only doing half the job of keeping your teeth clean. Experts suggest that you miss cleaning nearly 40% of your tooth surfaces if you don’t floss. If done properly, flossing is your greatest defense against plaque buildup between the teeth and gums. It’s recommended to floss at least once a day, but if you do along with brushing, then your teeth will be even cleaner! And if you absolutely despise flossing, easy to use flossers might become your new BFF.
Make an appointment: And keep it! People with good oral health should be visiting the dentist for routine cleanings, exams, and oral cancer screenings every six months. If your mouth needs extra TLC, your dentist may recommend more frequent appointments. These regular visits are all about preventative care and catching something before it turns into a problem.
Water down: Water has many health benefits for your entire body, and that includes your mouth! Water washes away food debris and prevents staining. Drinking water also encourages saliva production, which can help keep away cavities. Fluoride is often found in community water supplies so that’s a plus! Drinking water throughout the day not only keeps your hydrated, but it can also fight bad breath by continuously cleansing the mouth of bacteria.
If you would to schedule an appointment for a routine cleaning and exam, call us at 954-344-4488, or complete an online appointment request to schedule your consultation.