Oral hygiene in Harrisonburg is the foundation of a healthy smile. The cleaner your mouth is, the lower your risk of developing problems like tooth decay, gum disease, and persistent bad breath. Because October is National Dental Hygiene Month, it’s the perfect time to evaluate your mouth-cleaning routine and make improvements so you can continue to enjoy a fresh and healthy smile.
Chat With Your Hygienist
Twice-yearly visits to your dentist in Harrisonburg should be an ingrained part of your dental health routine. During these routine appointments, a skilled hygienist gives your teeth a thorough cleaning, removing any traces of plaque and tartar that might have accumulated there since your last checkup. Your hygienist is also a treasure trove of information about how to maintain a clean mouth. They can alert you to portions of your teeth that you might miss during regular brushing. They’re also happy to offer advice on proper technique for brushing, flossing, rinsing, and more.
When you attend your next dental appointment, bring a list of any questions you may have about how to care for your teeth at home. The personalized guidance you receive is sure to benefit your gorgeous smile!
Tips for Oral Hygiene at Home
Here are some general tips on how you may be able to improve your daily oral hygiene routine this October:
- Use proper brushing technique. You should brush for about two minutes using gentle, short strokes. Keep the brush at a 45 degree angle to your gums.
- Floss daily. Make sure not to snap the string between your teeth; you don’t want to accidentally damage your gums.
- Rinse daily. An antibacterial mouth rinse can kill germs that may be hiding out between your teeth or on the soft tissues in your oral cavity.
- Clean your tongue. Food particles and bacteria can easily get trapped on your tongue. Regularly using a tongue scraper helps to prevent that icky stuff from building up and leading to bad breath.
- Be wary of sugary treats. It seems like candy is everywhere in October. Plus, it’s easy to indulge in sweet pumpkin-flavored goodies throughout the season. After you have a sugary snack or drink, rinse your mouth with water, wait for about 30 minutes, and then brush your teeth.
- Chew sugar-free gum after meals. The chewing action promotes saliva production, which helps to rinse your mouth and prevent decay-causing bacteria from clinging to your teeth.
How would you rate your oral hygiene routine? If you notice any areas where you could improve, now is the perfect time to make changes that will protect your teeth and help you enjoy a clean, confident smile.
About Harrisonburg Family & Cosmetic Dentistry
Drs. Mario DeNicola, Monisha Khanna, and Douglas Wright are proud to work together with the hygienists in our office to provide top-notch preventive care to families in Harrisonburg. If you have questions about how you can improve your dental hygiene, or if it is time for your next checkup, contact our office at 540-432-6616.