October is a special month in the world of dental care – it’s Oral Hygiene Month! If you’ve been lax in taking care of your oral health recently, now is the perfect time to get back on track. Oral hygiene not only affects your teeth, but can make your whole body feel happier and healthy!
If you’re looking to up your dental hygiene game this month, continue reading to find the top seven ways you can build an oral care routine.
1. Brush Like a Professional
Start and end your day with a smile by brushing your teeth at least twice daily. Use fluoride toothpaste, and remember to spend two minutes giving each tooth, your gums, and your tongue the attention they deserve.
2. Floss Like a Boss
Don’t neglect the spaces between your teeth! Floss daily to remove plaque and food particles that brushing can’t reach, keeping your gums and teeth healthy. Gum disease has been linked to multiple health conditions outside of your mouth by multiple independent studies, so keep flossing.
3. Rinse Right
After brushing and flossing, rinse with an antimicrobial or fluoride mouthwash. It’s a finishing touch to kill harmful mouth bacteria and strengthen your tooth enamel. Just be sure to stay away from mouthwash with alcohol in it, as it is known to dry your mouth out and kill helpful bacteria as well!
4. Stay Hydrated
Water is your mouth’s best friend. Stay well-hydrated to maintain a moist environment in your mouth and wash away harmful bacteria, acid, and food particles. Fun fact: tap water is fluoridated, so if you want a little extra “oomph” in your oral routine, use it to drink and rinse with.
5. Improve Your Diet
What you eat impacts your oral health. A balanced diet rich in fruits, veggies, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy will go a long way in providing all the vitamins and minerals teeth need to remineralize and stay strong. Also, you should limit sugary and acidic foods that can contribute to tooth decay.
6. Nix Smoking and Limit Alcohol
Smoking and using tobacco products can harm your oral health and lead to conditions like gum disease and oral cancer. Of its nearly 7500 known chemicals, 250 of them are harmful and 27 of them are known carcinogens. The smoke itself erodes tooth enamel and causes bad breath.
Alcohol should also be limited as it dries your mouth out, worsening bad breath and helping bacterial plaque produce more acid. This is especially true of alcohols with high sugar content like sangria, spiked lemonades, and wine.
7. Go to Regular Dental Checkups
Don’t skip essential dental checkups and cleanings! Regular visits to your dentist are crucial to maintaining oral health and catching issues early. Dentists have special tools and techniques that aren’t available to you for diagnosing dental problems, so they are the best source of information and aid.
Oral Hygiene Month is a reminder that a healthy smile is a lifetime commitment. These habits are your tools for maintaining a bright smile and improving your overall well-being. This year, try to celebrate the importance of oral hygiene not just in October, but every day!
About the Practice
Dr. Christina Papageorgiou and Dr. Paola A. Buckley are two passionate dentists who form the heart of the team at Papageorgiou Dental Associates. Their dedication to patient wellness and education extends beyond the walls of their practice. Dr. Papageorgiou and Dr. Buckley are committed to providing personalized, comprehensive care, and they take the time to guide patients in best practices for maintaining healthy smiles. To schedule an appointment, call (508) 545-1126 or visit the website to learn more.