Want Healthier Teeth and Gums? 5 Ways to Observe National Dental Hygiene Month

Do you find yourself slacking on your oral hygiene routine? Maybe you don’t brush for the full two minutes or skip out on flossing before you go to bed. You’re tired, and your teeth and gums can wait until the morning, right? Unfortunately, this mindset won’t have your dentist in Westfield providing you with a good report the next time you go in for a visit. Since October is National Dental Hygiene Month, here are 5 ways you can improve the health of your teeth and gums this month.

Brushing: Twice a Day for Two Minutes

When brushing your teeth, there are a few helpful tips to remember:

• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush
• Use fluoride toothpaste to protect your teeth from tooth decay and strengthen the enamel
• Brush for a full two minutes each morning and every night
• Tip your brush to a 45-degree angle and move in a back and forth or circular motion to reach all the surfaces of your teeth and gums

Flossing: At Least Once a Day

Using a waxed dental floss, this will help to remove harmful plaque and tartar as well as food particles from in-between your teeth. These areas are hard to reach with a toothbrush, so you need something smaller and more flexible. Make sure not to push the floss down or up, as this can damage your soft tissues and teeth. Gently move it back and forth until you reach the area near your gum line.

Mouthwash: Use an Antimicrobial Rinse

Now that you’ve got the plaque and tartar off and out from between your teeth, it’s time to swish an antimicrobial mouthwash around to get rid of anything left behind. Not only does this give you a clean, refreshing breath, but it also washes away anything your brush or floss couldn’t reach or successfully remove.

Tongue Cleaning: Prevent Bad Breath

If you don’t enjoy being near someone with bad breath, you might want to think about how yours smells if you don’t bother cleaning your tongue. While brushing your teeth, run your brush over the surface of your tongue to remove the film that can build on top of your tongue. If left to sit, this can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, or halitosis (bad breath). If you prefer not to use your toothbrush, opt for an official tongue scraper.

Mouthguard: Protect Your Teeth

While this isn’t necessary for all patients, those who are prone to bruxism (teeth grinding or clenching) or individuals who suffer from sleep apnea can benefit from wearing a mouthguard while you sleep. This will keep your teeth from coming into contact with each other and causing additional wear and tear on the tooth enamel.

By adhering to these 5 tips, you can put yourself on a path to healthier teeth and gums. Let your next dental cleaning in Westfield be a positive one by taking control of your oral health this month.

About the Author
Looking for a dental professional who can help you take better care of your oral health? Look no further than Dr. David M. Weinman. Graduating from the State University of New York at Buffalo, he went on to enroll at the prestigious School of Dental Medicine at the University of Connecticut, earning his Doctor of Medical Dentistry degree. Dr. Weiman and his team are strong advocates for preventive care and believe in the benefits of regular dental checkups and cleanings as well as proper at-home oral hygiene practices. By combining the two, you can rest assured your teeth and gums will be in much better shape at each appointment. To learn more, contact us at (908) 654-7200 to find out how we can help.