October is National Dental Hygiene Month. Learn how you can celebrate the work of dental hygienists and raise awareness of good dental hygiene practices.
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Dental hygienists are hard at work every day, descaling our teeth and ridding our mouths of harmful bacteria and plaque. This October is National Dental Hygiene Month and allows us to recognize their vital work.
However, proper mouth care goes beyond pearly white teeth and fresh breath. Good dental hygiene promotes overall health and is a preventative step against the development of several chronic illnesses.
In this post, you will learn what National Dental Hygiene Month is, understand the health implications of good dental hygiene, and reflect upon how to instill good dental hygiene practices in yourself and your family.
What is National Dental Hygiene Month?
National Dental Hygiene Month is a time to recognize the valuable work of dental hygienists and raise awareness of the positive health impacts of good oral health.
This October, we are granted an opportunity to learn more about dental health hygiene, how we can improve our oral health, and why it's vital to maintain good mouth care in between dental cleanings.
Why is National Dental Hygiene Month Important?
Recent research has shown that periodontitis, or gum disease, can increase the risk for chronic illnesses like obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and Alzheimer's Disease. This is why dedicating an entire month to raising awareness of dental hygiene is significant and should be used to develop good habits that will extend beyond October.
3 Ways to Celebrate National Dental Hygiene Month
Many options are available to celebrate and raise awareness of oral health this October. Here are three ways to incorporate observation of National Dental Hygiene Month into your daily life.
Challenge Yourself and Loved Ones to Develop Good Habits
Dedicate the 31 days of October to regular brushing, flossing, and swishing. The ADA recommends brushing teeth for at least 2 minutes twice daily and flossing at least once daily. Raise awareness of these good dental hygiene practices by enlisting your family and friends to participate in the challenge.
Spending quality time brushing and flossing with your children in the morning and at bedtime helps instill good oral hygiene habits that can last a lifetime. Dental hygiene may sound like a tedious chore to kids, but by using a sand timer and turning it into an exciting challenge, they will see it as a fun activity to complete together.
Another idea is to play a song by one of their favorite characters to encourage their participation in mouth care. You could also consider offering a reward, like a small toy or a trip to the arcade, if they stick to the routine for the entire month.
Schedule Your 6-month Teeth Cleaning Appointment
There's no better way to celebrate your dental hygienist than by confirming your next teeth cleaning appointment. Even with daily brushing and flossing, you are bound to leave some plaque behind. Therefore, routine teeth cleanings are imperative to maintain good dental hygiene, so why not schedule your next dental hygienist appointment and show off your refined dental hygiene skillset during National Dental Hygiene Month?
Eat Less Sugar and Drink More Water
Sugar is known to cause dental caries and tooth decay. During National Dental Hygiene Month, try to limit sugar intake and stick to a more nutritious diet.
Commit to increasing the amount of water you usually drink. In today's busy world, it's easy to forget to hydrate, but consuming water is a crucial component of good dental hygiene practice. Water washes away acids, bacteria, and sugars that stay on the enamel of the teeth long after eating a meal or snack. It also helps prevent dry mouth, which can lead to bad breath and decay.
Celebrating National Dental Hygiene Month
Celebrate National Dental Hygiene Month by raising awareness of the importance of oral health and paying recognition to the valuable work that dental hygienists do.
Every October, commit to better dental hygiene practices, try to obtain a deeper understanding of the prominent role that dental hygiene plays in our health, and dedicate time to prioritizing oral care for ourselves and our families.
Understanding the importance of dental hygiene empowers you to practice good dental hygiene techniques and prevent chronic illnesses during National Dental Hygiene Month and beyond.
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