October is National Dental Hygiene Month:
A Simple Oral Health Routine for Your Busy Lifestyle
Do you ever feel like there are not enough hours in the day to get everything done? From the minute your alarm clock goes off in the morning to the minute you fall back into bed at night, you are going non-stop – getting kids off to school, making lunches, work, sports practices, homework, gym, dinner…the list is endless! Brushing your teeth can easily fall to the wayside.
A simple, daily oral health regimen that you can easily incorporate into your busy lifestyle is important to maintain your oral and overall health. For the seventh year in a row, the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA), in partnership with the Wrigley Jr. Company, is celebrating National Dental Hygiene Month (NDHM). The Daily 4 is a quick and effective home oral health routine:
1. Brush
Brushing your teeth twice daily is the most important thing you can do to remove plaque and the potential for other oral problems such as cavities and gingivitis.
2. Floss
Flossing once daily removes plaque and food from beneath the gums and between the teeth that brushing alone cannot remove. Tooth decay and gum disease often begin in these areas.
3. Rinse
Rinsing your mouth with an antibacterial, non-alcohol based mouthwash helps to kill plaque and germs that brushing and flossing alone do not catch. We recommend using a mouthwash with the ADA Seal of Acceptance. The Seal is your assurance that the product says what it does and does what it says.
4. Chew
Chewing sugar-free gum helps produce saliva, which battles cavities. The gum neutralizes plaque, strengthens enamel, and removes remaining food, especially after eating or drinking.
It’s easy to put the toothbrush down in order to take care of matters you feel are more urgent, but remember, a good oral health routine at home is the best way to prevent periodontal disease. According to the ADHA, “Periodontal disease is the most common cause of tooth loss in adults. An estimated 75 percent of Americans reportedly have some form of periodontal disease.” Periodontal disease also is linked to more serious illnesses such as diabetes and stroke. Make the time to incorporate a simple, daily oral health routine to ensure that you, and your mouth, stay healthy!
