4 Helpful Hygiene Tips for National Dental Hygiene Month

Your smile is one of the first things that people will notice about you, so you should do everything in your power to ensure its health and beauty! And since October is National Dental Hygiene Month, there’s no better time than the present to get your oral health back on track. Here are four tips from your dentist in Rocky Mount to ensure that your pearly whites look their best.

1. Brush Twice a Day Using the Correct Method

Brushing twice a day is paramount when it comes to maintaining a healthy smile. You should do it once in the morning and again at nighttime. Brushing before bed clears your mouth of germs that accumulate throughout the day, greatly reducing the risk of oral health issues like tooth decay, cavities, gum disease, and more.

That said, how you brush matters too! Here are some tips to ensure that you’re doing it correctly:

• Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gumline.
• Use gentle, circular motions to brush the outer surfaces of your teeth. Don’t use a sawing motion!
• To clean the inner surfaces of your teeth, tilt your toothbrush vertically and use up-and-down strokes.
• Spend about two minutes each time you brush and ensure that you’re not rushing or overbrushing!
• Spit out excess toothpaste after brushing. You should also avoid drinking anything or rinsing your mouth for a few minutes afterwards, to give the fluoride a chance to work.

2. Don’t Forget to Floss

Sadly, flossing is a habit that’s neglected by many; in fact, nearly a third of Americans admit to never flossing their teeth! But flossing isn’t optional by any means; not only is it important for dislodging pieces of food stuck between your teeth, but it also helps to stimulate the gums, reducing inflammation and plaque buildup. If flossing is difficult for you, there are many options that make the process easier including dental flossers and Waterpiks.

3. Use Mouthwash

Mouthwash is another valuable tool for keeping your smile white and bright. It benefits your oral health in three ways: it reduces the amount of acid in your mouth, it cleans hard-to-brush areas around your gums, and it re-mineralizes your teeth! Mouth rinses are also very helpful for both young and older patients where the ability to brush and floss might not be as easy.

4. Watch What You Eat & Drink

Everything that you consume heavily influences your oral health! You should avoid sugary drinks like sodas and juices and opt for drinking plenty of water instead. Not only is it the best beverage for you, but it also helps to wash out harmful bacteria from your mouth. A well-rounded diet also goes a long way towards promoting a healthy mouth; fresh produce doesn’t just taste great; it’s also very good for you! Additionally, many fruits and vegetables contain lots of fiber and chewing them also provides stimulation for your jaws.

Even if you practice impeccable oral hygiene and follow these tips, you should also visit your dentist for regular preventive care to ensure that your smile looks and feels its best for the foreseeable future.

About the Author

Dr. Kevin Schrimper has served the dental needs of the Rocky Mount community for over 25 years! Dr. Schrimper received his DDS from the University of North Carolina and has taken countless hours of continuing education in several different fields. His practice is pleased to offer a wide range of services including preventive, cosmetic, and restorative options. If you have any questions about the article or would like to arrange a visit, please contact Dr. Schrimper through his practice’s website or over the phone: (252) 937-7878.