October is finally here, which means a few different things: crisp, cool autumn weather, Halloween’s right around the corner, and of course, it’s also National Dental Hygiene Month! However, maintaining a white and bright smile doesn’t take much effort and is something you should strive for year-round. That said, this month is the perfect opportunity to get your smile back on track with these six helpful tips from your dentist in New Lenox.
1. Brush Your Teeth Twice a Day—and Definitely Before Bedtime!
It’s no secret that you’re supposed to brush your teeth twice a day—dentists have been preaching this advice for a long time. But many people still neglect doing this, let along brushing before going to bed! Brushing before bedtime helps to get rid of germs and plaque that accumulate in your mouth throughout the day. This greatly reduces the risk of tooth decay, cavities, gum disease, and other oral health concerns.
2. Use a Proper Brushing Technique
Brushing regularly is important—but it’s all for nothing if you aren’t doing it correctly! If you fail to use the proper technique, you can end up doing more harm than good. Here’s how you should brush:
- Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gumline.
- Use gentle, circular motions to brush the outer surfaces of your teeth. Don’t use a sawing motion!
- To clean the inner surfaces of your teeth, tilt your toothbrush vertically and use up-and-down strokes.
- Take your time; it’s not a race! Spend about 2 minutes brushing.
- Spit out excess toothpaste after brushing; in order to give the fluoride from your toothpaste a chance to work its magic, you should avoid drinking anything or rinsing your mouth for a few minutes afterwards.
3. Don’t Skip Flossing
Many people who brush regularly unfortunately still neglect to floss. But flossing is just as important as brushing and should not be considered an afterthought! Not only is it important for dislodging pieces of food stuck between your teeth, but it also helps to stimulate the gums, reducing inflammation and plaque buildup. Flossing can sometimes be tricky, but there are many options that make the process easier including dental flossers and Waterpiks
4. Use a Mouthwash
Mouthwash is incredibly beneficial for your oral health in three main ways: it reduces the amount of acid in your mouth, cleans hard-to-brush areas around your gums, and re-mineralizes your teeth. These rinses can be especially useful for children or older people, where the ability to brush and floss might not be ideal.
5. Drink Water & Eat a Healthy Diet
A well-rounded diet goes a long way towards promoting a healthy mouth; fresh produce doesn’t just taste great; it’s also very good for you! Many fruits and vegetables contain lots of fiber and chewing them also provides stimulation for your jaws. You should also aim to drink plenty of water; a good rule of thumb is to drink water after every meal—this can help to wash out some of the negative effects of sticky or acidic foods and drinks.
6. Visit Your Dentist for Regular Preventive Care
Even if you practice impeccable oral hygiene, you should still see your dentist biannually for preventive care. These visits allow your dentist to inspect your mouth for underlying problems and also clean your teeth of the stubborn plaque and tartar that’s built up.
About the Practice
The team at Atrium Family Dental is honored to serve patients and families in the New Lenox, IL area under the leadership of three skilled specialists: Dr. Sherif Albert, Dr. Christine Snow, and Dr. Alyssa Stylski. The practice is proud to offer a wide range of services including preventive, cosmetic, restorative options and more. To schedule an appointment, feel free to contact the practice online or over the phone: (815) 462-9990.