March Is Oral Health Month: Tips for Dental Hygiene

oral health​​​​​​​
  • By
  • March 13, 2022

    • Dental diseases are a huge health concern for many people around the world. They cause oral pain and discomfort, but that is not all. People with oral health issues also tend to lose confidence and isolate themselves from others. 
     

    Moreover, dental diseases often have a connection to other health complications that may have long-term effects. Oral Health Month happens every year in March to make people aware of the importance of good oral health. It also aims to teach people about improving their dental care practices.
     

    So, what can you always do to keep your teeth and gums healthy? 
     

    • Brush Your Teeth Regularly and Properly

    Dentists recommend brushing your teeth two times a day using a toothbrush with soft bristles. Also, the shape and size of your toothbrush ought to fit your mouth. This allows you to reach all your teeth and gums without difficulty.
     

    Ensure that you are taking your time to move your toothbrush gently around your teeth, tongue, and gumline to remove plaque. Remember, poor teeth brushing is virtually as bad as not brushing them altogether.
     

    • Floss at Least Once a Day

    Flossing helps remove food particles and bacteria stuck between your teeth, where the toothbrush cannot reach. By taking out this food debris, you avert bad breath from plaque that could otherwise grow on your teeth.
     

    • Use a Toothpaste With Fluoride

    Fluoride in toothpaste is controversial, but it remains a vital part of oral health. Many specialists believe fluoride is the ultimate defense against cavities and tooth decay. Recent studies show that brushing and flossing will not prevent your teeth from getting cavities if you fail to use fluoride.

    • Add a Mouthwash to Your Oral Care Practice

    Mouthwash helps calcify your teeth, clean deeper in and around your gums, and lower the level of acid inside your mouth. 

    Adding a mouthwash to your routine complements your dental hygiene practice. It also helps with foul-smelling breath and oral issues.

    • Stay Hydrated

    Water is the best drink for dental health. Drinking water after every meal lowers your risk for cavities and keeps a healthy acid balance in your mouth.

    • Reduce Starches and Sugars

    Usually, starches and sugars transform into acid inside your mouth. The acid can then eat away at your enamel, leading to cavities. Although you do not have to avoid these foods in general, it helps to be careful.

    • Avoid Smoking

    Smoking compromises your immune system, making it hard for your body to fight diseases, including the ones in your mouth. That leaves you at risk of getting gum disease, tooth discoloration, and bad breath.

    • See Your Dentist Every Six Months

    Visiting your dentist often is a crucial part of your general oral health. During the checkups, the dentist can clean your teeth and treat cavities. Your dentist can also detect potential dental health problems and treat them early before they become serious complications.

    March is Oral Health Month! For more dental hygiene tips, visit Courthouse Art of Dentistry at our office in Arlington, Virginia. You can also call 703-940-9658 today to book an appointment.