There’s more to October than pumpkin spice-flavored drinks and Halloween festivities—it’s also National Dental Hygiene Month! This means that it’s the perfect time to celebrate your smile and focus on healthy dental habits that keep your teeth and gums strong all year long. With that in mind, here are some useful, practical tips that you can add to your daily routine to keep your smile looking and feeling its best.
1. Brush Every Day without Fail
Brushing your teeth twice a day for two to three minutes each time is one of the easiest and most effective ways to protect your teeth, and you should be able to find plenty of time for this amidst your autumn festivities. Be sure that you’re using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, and if it’s been a few months since you last replaced your toothbrush, it’s probably time for a new one. Also, don’t brush too hard; gentle, circular motions work best for removing bacteria and protecting your enamel.
2. Don’t Forget to Floss
Flossing is just as important as brushing, but sadly, it’s a step that many don’t take as seriously. Flossing removes particles and plaque from areas in your mouth that your toothbrush has trouble reaching. Skipping this step allows bacteria to build up between the teeth, greatly increasing the risk of gum disease and cavities. What’s worse is that many Halloween candies leave sugary particles in these areas, too. If traditional dental floss is too tricky to use, consider using dental flossers or a Waterpik; however, as long as you’re practicing the habit daily, that’s what counts.
3. Be Mindful of Certain Foods and Beverages
October means Halloween, and Halloween means candy; what you eat (and drink) can greatly impact your oral health just as much as your brushing habits. Try to limit sugary and acidic foods and drinks, as they can erode your enamel and make you more vulnerable to cavities. Also, try to drink plenty of water every day—it doesn’t just keep you hydrated, but also naturally rinses your mouth out when you can’t brush and helps your saliva to fight cavity-causing bacteria. Adding calcium-rich foods to your diet, like cheese, milk, and yogurt, can also strengthen your teeth.
National Dental Hygiene Month is a great reminder that small daily habits can make a large difference in your overall oral health. Don’t skip these steps if you want to prevent your teeth from being scary this Halloween!
About the Practice
Here at Dudley Family Dental, Dr. Harith Kamil, Dr. Hiba Abdulsattar, and our whole team are proud to provide patients and families in Dudley and the surrounding communities with high-quality dental care. We offer a wide range of services aimed at keeping your smile in tiptop shape, including preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry solutions. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to get in touch with our team to set up an appointment for yourself or a family member, please reach out online or call today for assistance. Telephone: (508) 943-7001.