October is National Dental Hygiene Month. The month exists to raise awareness of the work dental hygienists do and to educate the community on proper dental hygiene and care. To celebrate, follow these four tips to keep your mouth fresh and your pearly whites sparkling.
1. Brush properly
Yes, you should brush your teeth at least twice a day. However, it's not just good enough to brush your teeth; you need to brush them with the proper technique. Place the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle at the gum line. Gently brush the surface of your teeth in a back and forth and up and down motion. To clean the backs of your teeth, once again place the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle at the gumline and continue with the up and down and back and forth motion, gently brushing so you won't cause any bleeding of the gums.
2. Don't forget to floss
It's easy to forget to floss with the many other things going on in your life. However, flossing is an important part of your daily dental hygiene routine because it gets bacteria and other food particles from between your teeth that brushing alone can't reach. Flossing also helps prevent periodontal disease and bad breath. Floss at least once a day, and if time permits, floss after every meal.
3. Visit your dentist
Making regular dental visits is the best way to make sure your dental health is always top-notch. Visit your dentist twice a year for regular hygiene checkups. Regular cleanings, along with proper home care, help prevent the formation of cavities and the development of other periodontal disorders. Also, the checkup includes oral x-rays to help detect and forestall more serious dental problems. If you're looking for a dentist, give Cookeville Family Dentistry a call to schedule an appointment.
4. Clean your tongue
Clean your tongue and the roof of your mouth daily. It is easy for bacteria to build up in these areas causing bad breath and negatively impacting your dental health. You can use your toothbrush to clean your tongue, but a professional tongue cleaner works best to remove all the buildup on your tongue. While you should focus on the rough, top area of your tongue when brushing your teeth, don't forget to clean the underside of your tongue as bacteria can get trapped there as well.