Celebrate Dental Hygiene Month

The fall season brings cooler weather and a variety of holidays and events to celebrate with family and friends. It's also the time of year when we celebrate National Dental Hygiene Month! This event takes place every October and is designed to be a yearly reminder to take care of our oral health by practicing good dental hygiene. It also gives us the opportunity to provide a shout-out to our dedicated dental hygienists!

Focusing on Our Hardworking Dental Hygienists 

You'll spend lots of time with your dental hygienist when you visit our office for your routine teeth cleaning and checkup. Here are the top four essential duties dental hygienists do to provide high-quality care for patients:

1. Cleaning Your Teeth 

Cleaning your teeth to remove plaque and tartar is one of the most important tasks a dental hygienist provides. Plaque is a nearly invisible, sticky film of bacteria that can harden into a hard substance called tartar if not removed daily. Tartar is very harmful when allowed to accumulate on your teeth and along the gum line, and it increases your risk of gum disease. Only your dental hygienist can remove tartar, so it's very important to schedule consistent cleanings at your dentist's office.

2. Applying Preventative Treatments

Your hygienist can also apply treatments that are designed to strengthen your teeth and reduce your risk of tooth decay. This includes applying dental sealants to the back teeth and applying fluoride to remineralize teeth.

3. Patient Education

After examining your mouth and cleaning your teeth, your hygienist will be able to make suggestions about the changes you need to make in your daily oral care regimen to improve your oral health. This includes providing tips on the most effective ways to floss and brush. This is also the time to ask your hygienist specific questions about how you can improve the health of your mouth. Don't be afraid to ask questions!

4. Screenings

Your hygienist will also assess the status of your oral health. This includes discussing your health history and checking your mouth for the early signs of oral cancer.

How You Can Observe National Dental Hygiene Month

There are many things you can do to observe National Dental Hygiene Month all throughout the year. In addition to thanking your dental hygienist when you come into our office for your dental cleaning, take a look at the following steps you can implement into your daily routine:

Brush Your Teeth Twice a Day

It's no secret that brushing your teeth is a key component of achieving and maintaining a healthy mouth, but how often should you brush your teeth for optimal health? We instruct patients to brush with a fluoride toothpaste twice a day for two minutes each time. You can choose to brush after meals, but an easy way to get into the habit is by brushing when you rise in the morning and before you go to sleep.

Remember to Brush for No Less Than Two Minutes

Studies have shown that brushing for at least two minutes each time is very beneficial for your oral health. Twice daily brushing for two minutes is the only way to remove plaque bacteria and any particles of food that might be stuck on your teeth. The bacteria present in plaque creates acid after eating and drinking that can damage tooth enamel and increase the chances of developing tooth decay and gum disease.

Pay attention when you're brushing your teeth to ensure that you've brushed the surface of every tooth. It might be helpful to picture your mouth as four sections. Brushing each section for about 30 seconds can help you feel confident that all parts of your mouth are equally cleaned. You can also use a kitchen timer or an alarm on your phone to time yourself. If you have an electric toothbrush, most models feature timers that tell you when you've brushed for a total of two minutes.

Use Proper Brushing Techniques

Now let's talk about the most effective technique to use while you're brushing. Knowing the proper brushing technique can not only help you achieve a cleaner mouth but also help you protect your tooth enamel and sensitive gum tissue.

Want to brush your teeth more effectively? Take a look at these tips:

1. Start by brushing all of the outer surfaces, paying special attention to all of the upper and lower teeth.
2. Position your toothbrush at approximately a 45-degree angle and lightly brush along your gum line to lift away plaque and food debris. Use short strokes while brushing back and forth.
3. Now move toward the inner surfaces of your teeth. Tilting your brush in a vertical motion while making up-and-down strokes can help you effectively clean this area.
4. It's also important to thoroughly brush all chewing surfaces. Use the same technique as before by using short, light strokes along each tooth's chewing surface.
5. Lastly, brush your tongue to eliminate bacteria.

Brushing using too much pressure can possibly wear away the protective layer on your teeth. This can lead to sensitive teeth and gum recession. To avoid these dental problems, use a light touch every time you brush.

Floss Every Day

Brushing and flossing go hand in hand for improving the health of your teeth and gum tissue. Interdental cleaners, such as standard dental floss, eliminate food stuck between your teeth and help clean areas that you simply can't reach with a toothbrush. Flossing stimulates your gum tissue and significantly lowers your risk of gingivitis and periodontal disease.

Use Mouthwash

Do you regularly rinse with mouthwash? If you don't, you're missing out on several key benefits for your teeth and gums. This includes cavity prevention, strengthening the enamel of your teeth, improving tooth sensitivity, and relieving the discomfort caused by dry mouth.

Schedule Regular Dental Appointments 

It's best to schedule an appointment with a dental hygienist and dentist in Michigan about twice a year to receive a professional exam and teeth cleaning. During these twice yearly appointments, your hygienist uses dental tools to clean and polish your teeth. Your dentist will also examine your mouth for signs of a variety of dental issues, such as cavities, gingivitis, and oral cancer.

The health of your teeth and gums is worth investing in! To learn more about how our dentists and dental hygienists can help you achieve and maintain a healthier mouth, contact us today to schedule an appointment.