October is National Dental Hygiene Month!

In the midst of all of the Halloween hoopla and during a global pandemic, most people probably “forgot” that October is also home to National Dental Hygiene Month. It’s understandable and we forgive you, but now it’s our time to shine! We take pride in being able to educate you about what you can do to promote your dental hygiene this month and beyond.

Here are some ways that you can honor and celebrate National Dental Hygiene Month:

• Floss Everyday: Because there are some things that brushing just cannot take care of as easily or as well, it’s important that you do your best to floss at least once daily. If you need more information about how to floss successfully, check out our flossing tips.
• Brush 2 for 2: To make your mark on National Dental Hygiene Month, remember to brush twice a day for two minutes during each brushing. This will not only help you to start your day off by battling morning breath, but it also reduces your chances of developing gum disease. Don’t worry, we can help you brush up on your brushing technique.
• Mouthwash is Your Friend: Mouthwash completes the trifecta. Make rinsing a regular part of your oral hygiene routine by swishing a splash around your mouth after you finish brushing and flossing. Not only will it help to keep your mouth clean, but it also freshens your breath!

HDG: On our website, we have an area dedicated to Patient Education. We believe that if you’re armed with knowledge about your own dental hygiene, then you can become more of an active participant in your own care. After all, you deserve to understand what we’re doing, how we’re doing it, and why we’re doing it. On our educational resource page, you’ll find a series of informational videos intended to outline some of the more common services and treatments that we provide. This includes, but is not limited to, content about: manual vs. electric toothbrush use, proper brushing technique, proper flossing technique, filling vs. a crown, root canal treatment, bridges vs. implants, temporomandibular joint disorder & more.

ADHA: Celebrate your courage in the face of adversity this year and promote good oral health for NDHM 2020 with ADHA & Colgate® Pharmaceuticals, Inc. The partnership is calling for individuals to share what courage looks like to you by submitting a photo that captures how you face the day. This can mean anything from wearing your PPE with pride to educating the next generation of dental hygienists to staying connected while you decide when to return to work. Find information on how to submit or participate by visiting the ADHA website.

Remember, your mouth is a window into the health of your body. It acts as the entry point to your digestive and respiratory tracts, and some bacteria that live in your mouth can cause disease if not properly addressed. The body’s natural defenses and good oral health care, such as daily brushing and flossing, work to keep bacteria under control but this often depends on our own habits. Now is as good a time as any to make a personal pledge to yourself about the future of your dental hygiene!