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Making Oral Health a Priority in 2024: A New Year’s Resolution Guide.
It’s the ideal moment to put our health and wellbeing first as we begin a new year.
October is National Dental Hygiene Month
The summer’s brilliant colors fade into the comforting embrace of autumn in October, a month of transition. As October is observed across the country as National Dental Hygiene Month, it’s also the perfect time to start a fresh commitment to oral health. This month should be used as a gentle reminder to prioritize your oral hygiene, with an emphasis on fundamental procedures like brushing and flossing, as well as the importance of routine dental check-ups and cleanings.
The Foundation, Brushing and Flossing Techniques:
Proper brushing is the cornerstone of any successful oral hygiene regimen. The American Dental Association advises using fluoride toothpaste to brush your teeth at least twice a day. Following are some pointers for efficient brushing:
- To prevent harming your gums and dental enamel, use a toothbrush with soft bristles.
- Brush your teeth for at least two minutes, making sure to reach every surface.
- To get rid of plaque and debris, gently brush in a circular motion.
- Don’t forget to brush your tongue to remove bacteria that can cause bad breath.
Flossing Techniques:
Flossing is equally crucial because it reaches areas your toothbrush can’t. Proper flossing techniques include:
- Dental floss about 18 inches or so should be used.
- Slide the floss between your teeth slowly and gently, forming a ‘C’ shape around each tooth.
- To avoid hurting your gums, be thorough yet gentle.
Why Regular Dental Check-ups Matter:
Even though practicing good oral hygiene at home is important, it cannot replace routine dental exams. Why?
Cavities, gum disease, and oral cancer are just a few of the dental problems that a dentist can spot early. Early diagnosis paves the way for simpler, less expensive treatment.
Professional Cleaning: Even the most assiduous brushers and flossers fall short of completely removing all plaque and tartar. Dental hygienists utilize specialized tools to completely clean your teeth, preventing cavities and gum disease.
Dental professionals can offer personalized oral health recommendations based on your unique requirements and difficulties. They may make suggestions for ways to brushing and flossing more effectively.
To strengthen your teeth and prevent cavities, dental professionals might apply fluoride treatments and sealants.
The Six-Month Rule
Experts advise scheduling a dental appointment at least every six months. This routine makes sure that any problems are identified quickly and that your teeth receive routine, specialized care.
Finally, the month of October, which is designated as National Dental Hygiene Month, serves as a yearly reminder of the significance of using the right brushing and flossing methods. These daily routines, together with routine dental examinations and cleanings, are essential for preserving a healthy smile for life. Don’t wait; book your next dental visit right now and resolve to give your oral health first priority. Your smile will be grateful.
Halloween treats…just tricks in disguise?
Fall is here, even in Southwest Florida, and that can only mean one thing – Halloween is on the way! We all love this festive holiday and the fun it brings. Of course, this festive fun almost always comes coupled with sweets. These candies, while delicious, can wreak havoc on your dental health as sugar builds up and eats through the protective enamel on your teeth. Overtime, this destruction causes cavities and if not treated, a plethora of other dental issues.
Here are some tips to make sure these sweet treats don’t turn out to be just painful tricks for children and adults alike…
- Categorize the goods: Separate anything sticky from the rest of the candies. That’s right, make a pile of all those gummies, taffies, fruit chews and sticky candies. Everything else goes in a separate pile. Then, do your best to avoid that first pile like it’s a spooky ghost! Why? Dental cavities go hand-in-hand with sugary and/or sour substances. The bad bacteria that shows up in your mouth loves the kind of environment these types of candies create, and works to turn it into acid. What happens next? A monster of a cavity.
- Have little monsters at home? Keep them away from that sticky pile too. Regardless of age, the oral health damage can be just as significant. Halloween is also a fantastic time to reinforce proper oral hygiene. Remind those little ghosts and goblins about the importance of brushing twice a day and flossing regularly. During a time extra sugars and sweets are being consumed, like the days following Halloween, encourage your children to brush right after snacking, and to drink lots of water. Make sure you’re following through too!
- Find substitutes: Are you eating the candy because you want it, or because it’s there? Try picking up a pack of sugar-free gum to help curb the craving without the danger! In fact, Sorbitol, Xylitol and other low-calorie sweeteners found in some sugar-free gum can actually help to stop destructive bacteria on their path for total takeover. This substitute to the sugar-ridden candy is like calling Ghostbusters on those potential cavities! If all else fails, keep a bowl next to the candy for all the wrappers. A visible reminder of how much candy you’ve consumed just might be worse than the scariest Halloween nightmare.
You can also consider trading your child’s candy for a toy or non-food item they’ve been eyeing. You can even donate that candy to organizations like these – https://www.today.com/parents/how-donate-halloween-candy-good-cause-t117994!
Shopping for what you’ll hand out at your home this year? Consider a non-food item like stickers, glow sticks or bubbles. You’ll help keep your trick-or-treaters on the path to oral health!
- Is your current dental health situation a whole bunch of Hocus Pocus? Halloween is a fantastic time to establish routine dental care. Call Horizon One Dental today to schedule check-ups for your whole family of monsters. We promise, it will be nothing but a treat!
Above all else, enjoy the holiday and of course the sweets, in moderation. Happy Halloween from the friendly ghouls and goblins at Horizon One Dental!