For many, October is most famous for being the month of Halloween. Plenty of people thus spend it watching scary movies, putting up spooky decorations, etc. However, there’s more to October than the 31st. You see, it also happens to be National Dental Hygiene Month! As such, you might want to celebrate your oral health before chowing down on Halloween treats. Luckily, your dentist in Crown Point can help you do that. Honor this year’s National Dental Hygiene Month by practicing these five oral care tips.
Brush Your Teeth Before Bed
You probably know you ought to brush your teeth twice daily. Even so, some of us forget to practice the habit at night. If that applies to you, try to brush before bed to remove bacteria accumulated on your teeth.
Use a Fluoridated Toothpaste
There are all kinds of toothpaste today — whitening types, those with minty flavors, and more. Whichever one you choose, though, make sure it has fluoride.
You see, this substance is essential to good oral health. Fluoride fights germs that lead to tooth decay, which means it can prevent cavities. Furthermore, it provides a protective barrier for your enamel.
Remember to Floss
For various reasons, many people don’t floss their teeth. Some go as far as to believe the practice doesn’t benefit your teeth. In fact, however, flossing is just as important as brushing.
Dental floss is far from pointless. Not only does it remove food debris stuck between teeth, but it also stimulates your gums and reduces plaque. Even better, flossing lowers gum inflammation and thus fights against periodontal disease.
Assuming you want such benefits for your smile, make sure to floss once daily!
Cut Down on Sugary, Acidic Foods
When you have certain sweets, their sugar content converts into acid in your mouth. From there, said acid can erode your tooth enamel and cause cavities. Acidic fruits, teas, and coffee can wear down enamel too.
For these reasons, try to limit your intake of high-sugar and high-acid foods.
See Your Dentist Twice a Year (or more)
Even if you practice good dental care at home, you must regularly see your dentist in Crown Point.
In particular, visit your local practice for cleanings and checkups twice yearly. Doing so will prevent more serious dental issues from cropping up later.
As you can see, October doesn’t have to be all about Halloween candy. You can also treat it as a time to honor your smile with the tips above!
About the Practice
Advanced Dental Concepts is based in Crown Point, IN. As led by Drs. Hayes, Mousa, and Harmon, our practice provides comprehensive dentistry with great patient care. To that end, we offer preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dental treatments, including emergency procedures. You can count on us for everything from dental checkups to replacement teeth! For more information or to book an appointment, you can reach us on our website or by phone at (219)-663-6878.