October is National Dental Hygiene Month, so now is the time to review some of the basics about how you can best care for your oral and dental health. Did you know that your teeth take up less than half of the space in your mouth? It’s true, which means that while brushing is always a good thing, it shouldn’t be the only thing you do to make sure your mouth is healthy. Reynoldsburg dentist Dr. Walt Mick and his team at Mick Family Dental Care want to share some tips on how you can practice effective dental hygiene every month.
The Daily 4
The American Dental Hygienists’ Association has come up with a campaign to help the public achieve and maintain optimal oral and dental health. The Daily 4 are brushing, flossing, rinsing and chewing. Even if you’ve been practicing these steps for years, a review is always a good idea to make sure you are doing the most effective job possible.
Brushing
When it comes to brushing, there a few important steps to keep in mind. First, always use a toothbrush with soft bristles, which are gentler on your gums and the enamel surface of your teeth. Secondly, use fluoride toothpaste and hold the brush at a 45-degree angle to your teeth and gums. Finally, brush two times a day for at least two minutes. Regular brushing removes plaque and helps to prevent tooth decay and gingivitis.
Flossing
Flossing removes the biofilm (plaque) and food particles that can accumulate between your teeth. Your toothbrush can’t reach these often tight spots, and plaque buildup here can lead to tooth decay or periodontal disease. Use about 18 inches of floss so you have a clean section between each pair of teeth. Press the floss against the side of one tooth and then the other, making sure to floss all the way down to the gum line.
Rinsing
While brushing and flossing are extremely effective at removing plaque and debris from the surfaces of your teeth, there’s still the rest of your mouth. Rinsing with an antimicrobial mouth rinse helps to eliminate plaque and bacteria that can become trapped in other areas of your mouth. Use about four teaspoons of undiluted mouth rinse and swish for at least 30 seconds. Gargle at the end and then spit.
Chewing
When brushing, flossing and rinsing aren’t convenient, try chewing a sugar-free gum after a meal or snack. Chewing stimulates saliva production, which can help to wash away food particles and neutralize acids in your mouth.
Call Your Reynoldsburg Dentist Today
To complement the steps you take to ensure your dental hygiene, be sure to schedule regular dental checkups with your dentist in Reynoldsburg, Dr. Walt Mick.