Ahhh, Fall! The perfect time to curl up on your couch, turn on your favorite scary movie and chow down on yummy candy and everything pumpkin spice. What if we told you Halloween is not the only Holiday to celebrate this October! Did you know it's also National Dental Hygiene Month? That’s right! Before we dive into the spooky season, let’s take a minute to talk about dental hygiene.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, oral hygiene is preventative care against oral health problems such as cavities, gum disease, and halitosis. Speaking of which, check out our previous blog on halitosis - your breath will thank you! Did you know that your oral health is also linked to your entire body's overall health? Maintaining a healthy and BOO-tiful smile will prevent health concerns like heart disease and stroke. So, before you raid your candy jar or pick-up a Pumpkin Spice Latte from your nearest Starbucks, let’s talk about 3 not-so-scary ways you can keep up with your dental hygiene!
Now this seems like an obvious one, but there is, in fact, a specific way, or shall we say technique, to teeth brushing. After eating all of your favorite Halloween treats, squeeze your fluoride toothpaste on your soft-bristled toothbrush and place it at a 45-degree angle toward your gums. This helps with getting that stubborn sticky plaque and bacteria at your gum line. If you have an electric toothbrush, it’s even better! We at Deliz Dental Studio strongly encourage the use of electric toothbrushes as they are more effective than regular toothbrushes. They are way more helpful with getting rid of plaque because of the rapid, consistent movements and are safe on your gums and enamel to promote overall oral health. Some electric toothbrushes even offer multiple brushing modes, which can be useful for people with sensitive teeth and gums. If you have a little monster at home, electric toothbrushes make teeth brushing time more fun and help start healthy oral hygiene habits early!
Harvard Health suggests making 15-20 circles with the bristles and rotating them around in a gentle motion. No need to go full on monster mode! Make sure to get those hard-to-reach back teeth, and if you’re a vampire, don’t forget your fangs. Brush for 2 minutes or about half the time of “Ghostbusters”.
Flossing is probably one of the most neglected parts of your brushing regimen when it is actually one of the most important things! Brushing can’t reach the spaces between your teeth where food (or brains for our zombie patients) gets caught. It’s up to your trusty floss string to remove it. Don’t be scared! It’s easier than learning the “Thriller” dance.
Break off about 18 inches of floss (around two king-size candy bars) and wind the floss around your middle fingers, leaving a few inches for your teeth. Gently guide the floss between your teeth in a C shape and move the floss up and down, about 10 strokes per tooth. If you don’t like string floss, consider other options, such as plastic flossers or water flossers. There are many options out there available. Do this after you eat or at least once a day and that’s it! No tricks here, just a bright smile.
Bonus tip: After flossing, swig around some mouthwash to wash away any additional food and debris that may be in your mouth. Make sure it is alcohol-free to prevent dry mouth. Mouthwash helps to reduce plaque and bad breath.
And, boo-ya! You’ll be slaying at your costume party with your perfect, shiny smile.
Don’t be a foolish mortal; schedule regular checkups with your dentist! You’ve probably heard this since you were a kid, but visiting your dentist on a regular basis is crucial to maintaining proper dental hygiene. Routine exams and cleanings every six months helps to keep a healthy smile. Many times plaque buildup and cavities can go unnoticed. A dental professional can spot these concerns early to prevent issues in the future. We don’t want you looking like Frankenstein!
Afraid of the dentist? You’re not alone. Healthaffairs states that 19% of the population has high dental anxiety. Now, that’s a scary number! Luckily, at Deliz Dental Studio, we will always creep it real with you. See what we did there? We take the time to get to know you and understand your concerns. We are equipped with advanced technology and highly trained dental professionals to treat you. We will always be transparent and will be sure to properly educate and inform you about the ins and outs of your teeth, all in a judgment-free and welcoming environment. We love our patients and care about giving them peace of mind, having them leave our office with a bright and confident smile. Yeah, we see you gourd-gess!
In need of an appointment? We’re dying to see you! Schedule an appointment here https://www.delizdental.studio/ or give us a call at 813-755-1800.
Happy Halloween! And more importantly, Happy National Dental Hygiene Month!
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