October is National Dental Hygiene Month, established in 2009 by the American Dental Hygienists Association to help people understand just how important oral health really is. Your mouth isn’t separate from the rest of your body, what happens there can affect your overall well-being. Taking care of your teeth and gums doesn’t just prevent cavities, it can lower your risk for health problems elsewhere.
Brushing your teeth in the morning and night may feel like enough, but this is just the first step in caring for your dental hygiene. Brushing cleans the surfaces of your teeth, but bacteria can hide in all the little nooks and crannies where the bristles can’t reach. To truly protect your mouth, and overall health, you need to pair brushing with other habits. A consistent routine goes a long way toward keeping both your smile and your health in top shape.
The Connection Between Oral Health and Whole-Body Health
Think of your mouth as the front door to your body. When bacteria builds up in your mouth, chewing, swallowing, and breathing can easily carry it to where it can enter your bloodstream. This basically acts as interstate travel for the bacteria to all other areas of your body. Poor oral hygiene has been linked to heart disease, diabetes, and even pregnancy complications. That’s why taking care of your teeth and gums isn’t just about having a bright smile, it’s a crucial part of protecting your overall health.
Building a Complete Oral Hygiene Routine
An optimal oral hygiene routine consists of four steps, brushing, flossing, rinsing, and dental cleanings. Each of these play a crucial role in cleansing your mouth and prioritizing your health.
Brushing
The American Dental Association recommends brushing your teeth for two full minutes, twice a day, everyday. Using a pea sized amount of a toothpaste containing fluoride and brushing using small circular motions is important to ensure a proper cleaning.
Remember: Don’t forget to brush ALL surfaces of your teeth, this means the back of them, too!
Flossing
Did you know that brushing only cleans around 60 to 70% of your teeth’s surface? The other parts in between the teeth can’t be reached by a toothbrush and must be cleaned using floss. Traditional string floss, pre-threaded floss picks and WaterPiks can aid in flossing and can also be used together for an even deeper clean.
Tip: If you have braces, a floss threader or interdental brush can help to clean underneath the wire and get in those hard to reach places.
Rinsing
While most of us associate mouth wash with that fresh breath feeling we get after rinsing, it also has tons of benefits for your mouth’s health. There are two different kinds of mouth wash: cosmetic and therapeutic. According to the American Dental Association, therapeutic mouth washes are meant to reduce and control plaque, gingivitis, bad breath, and tooth decay. Cosmetic mouthwashes are meant to temporarily control bad breath, but don’t actually kill any bacteria.
The best mouthwash for you to use is a therapeutic one. Some of these are prescription, but many of them are available over the counter. When selecting a mouth rinse, look for one containing ingredients such as: cetylpyridinium chloride, chlorhexidine, essential oils, fluoride, or peroxide. Also, look out for the ADA Seal of Acceptance. This indicates that the product has been evaluated by the American Dental Association and has been found to be safe and effective.
Routine Dental Cleaning
After taking steps at home to protect your dental hygiene, following up with routine dental cleanings is recommended for the best oral health. Your dental hygienist will remove plaque and tartar buildup that brushing and flossing at home can’t reach. Hygienists and dentists are also trained to spot the early signs of cavities, gum disease, and other negative dental issues and address them before they evolve into more complex problems.
Dental cleanings are recommended twice a year to keep your oral health in check.
Schedule Your Routing Dental Cleaning Today
Honor Dental Hygiene Month right and get your next dental cleaning scheduled now! Call Zöe Dental today at 828-274-1616.
