October Is National Dental Hygiene Month: Brushing, Flossing And More

October is National Dental Hygiene Month! Brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash are the three most important habits for maintaining a mouth free from plaque and tartar. Brushing removes plaque and tartar from the surface of your teeth. Plaque is a sticky biofilm that clings to your teeth and contains millions of harmful bacteria that feed on the sugars and starches in your meals. Flossing removes plaque and food particles from between your teeth and under your gums, where your toothbrush can’t reach. Rinsing your mouth with mouthwash after brushing and flossing removes any lingering bacteria and leaves a minty fresh taste in your mouth. Practicing these habits 2-3 times every day will go a long way in keeping your teeth and gums healthy.

What is National Dental Hygiene Month?

It’s a month dedicated to reminding people about the importance of oral hygiene: brushing and flossing daily, eating a healthy diet, and making sure to visit the dentist for regular cleanings and checkups.

In 2018, the American Dental Association officially declared October to be National Dental Hygiene Month to raise awareness about the importance of good oral health. The designation of a month to specifically focus on dental hygiene emerged from decades of research showing that poor dental health can have a negative impact on a person’s overall health. For example, people with gum disease are more likely to develop serious health problems like heart disease and diabetes. So by focusing on this yearly awareness event, the ADA hopes to educate more people about the importance of taking care of their teeth and gums. And this will, in turn, result in a healthier population.

Why Should I Care About My Teeth?

Good dental health is important to your overall health. That’s because the bacteria in your mouth can make its way into your bloodstream. From there, it can travel to other parts of your body. That’s why it’s so important to keep your teeth clean. Cavities can also cause infections in the gums and surrounding teeth. If left untreated, those infections can spread to the heart muscles, which can result in life-threatening conditions. Regular checkups with your dentist can catch tooth decay before it progresses too far and become a bigger problem.

What Can My Dentist Do To Help Me?

Dentists can perform a variety of procedures to help you keep your teeth in good shape between visits. For example, they can apply sealants that act as a protective barrier against decay-causing bacteria. They can also fill cavities and use dental lasers to remove bacteria and diseased tissue from the mouth.

Your dentist can also talk to you about ways that you can improve your oral health at home. This may include things like improving your toothbrushing technique or quitting smoking. 

Why Is Dental Hygiene Important?

While we all understand the importance of brushing and flossing for a healthy mouth, there are more reasons to take great care of your teeth and gums than just avoiding cavities or bad breath. A healthy mouth means a healthier body overall as well. Here are three ways your oral health can affect your health in general.

First, poor oral hygiene can lead to a higher risk of developing infections. Gum disease has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, diabetes complications, and even cancer. It’s even been linked to a higher rate of preterm labor and low birth weights for babies or babies born with birth defects. All of these conditions can be life-threatening and could be avoided through better hygiene habits.

Secondly, problems with your teeth or gums can impact your nutrition. If your teeth are sensitive, you may have difficulty chewing certain foods. This can lead to weight loss or other nutritional problems while your body struggles to find other ways to get the nutrients it needs. Finally, poor dental health can cause you to feel self-conscious about eating in front of others, which may make you lose out on social opportunities. Poor oral health can also affect the way you speak or laugh, which can be embarrassing at social events as well.

Taking care of your mouth is not just for keeping your smile bright and white; it’s for maintaining your overall health as well. Let your dentist know if you have any questions or concerns about your dental health. 

Call us at 773-880-2310 or email us at office@sheffieldsquaredental.com to schedule your appointment. Visit Sheffield Square Dental Care at 2835 N. Sheffield Ave, Suite 305, Chicago, IL 60657.