For many, October is all about Halloween and starting the holiday season, but it’s also a special time for your smile—Dental Hygiene Month. Your mouth is the bridge to the rest of your body, making it incredibly important to properly care for. Whether you’re diligent about brushing and flossing daily, or you know you could do a little bit better of a job cleaning your teeth, Dental Hygiene Month is the perfect time to focus on the health of your smile. Read on to learn three practices you can implement into your at-home oral routine to honor the health of your grin this October.
The History of Dental Hygiene Month
Dental hygiene as a whole has a unique history. In 1913, The first dental hygiene school opened, called Fones School of Dental Hygiene. In fact, it’s still open today and is a part of the University of Bridgeport in Connecticut. This was hundreds of years after the first ever mass-produced toothbrush was made by William Addis in England around 1780, following Colgate’s mass-produced jars of toothpaste in 1873.
Flash forward to 2009, and the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) saw a need for patients to focus on maintaining optimal oral health, including both at-home and clinical practices. This led to naming October National Dental Hygiene Month.
Three Ways to Observe Dental Hygiene Month This October
- Floss Every Day: A study conducted by the American Dental Association showed that less than 50 percent of adults in the country floss daily. Over time, a lack of flossing will lead to the build-up of bacteria, plaque, and food debris between teeth, leading to not only cavities, but also infections. By flossing every day, you can help prevent these oral health issues from developing, as well as ward off gum disease, which is one of the most common preventable dental conditions.
- Brush for Two Minutes, Twice a Day: Brushing is one of the most important dental hygiene practices, as it keeps plaque from turning into tartar on the teeth, leading to the development of oral health problems, as well as more severe consequences, like tooth loss. It’s important to use a soft-bristled brush and clean the teeth in a circular motion, being sure to clean back by the molars as well.
- Attend Regular Dental Checkups & Cleanings: In addition to brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash regularly to help minimize bacteria accumulation within your mouth, it’s also important to schedule routine checkups and cleanings with a dentist. These visits will help keep small problems that may develop, due to naturally not being able to reach certain crevices within the mouth to clean, from becoming serious. Also, thorough professional cleanings from a hygienist will ensure the health and brightness of your smile.
About the Author
Dr. Michael Davies is a passionate dentist who loves being able to build lasting relationships with his patients and providing them with lifelong, high-quality dentistry. He is dedicated to staying up to date with the latest advancements in his field and has received training in prosthetics, CAD/CAM dentistry, TMJ evaluation, esthetic smile makeovers, and more. Experience over 25 years of knowledge by scheduling a checkup and cleaning by visiting Main Street Dental’s website or calling 508-376-5588.