5 Tips for a Healthier Smile During National Dental Hygiene Month

Now that it’s October, everyone is thinking about colder weather, Halloween candy, and… healthy teeth? That’s right! October is nationally recognized as Dental Hygiene Month. Using this time of year to prioritize your oral health is an excellent way to protect your smile from Halloween candy and keep it healthy for the upcoming winter holidays. Read on as your Mesquite dentist shares five healthy habits you can start practicing today to celebrate!

1.) Clean Your Smile Thoroughly

Haphazardly brushing your teeth for a few seconds every morning and night isn’t enough to keep problems like cavities and gum disease at bay. Make sure you’re practicing a thorough daily dental routine that includes:

• Brushing for two minutes twice a day.
• Flossing between all your teeth daily.
• Rinsing with mouthwash regularly.

2.) Don’t Give Up on Flossing If You Find It Difficult

If you don’t love to floss your teeth, you’re not alone. Many people find this task awkward, complicated, and even uncomfortable. However, don’t let that stop you from practicing this important step of your oral health care regimen. Try using high-quality waxed floss, a floss pick, or a pre-threaded flosser to make it easier. Remember, the more often you floss, the less difficult and uncomfortable it will be!

3.) Make Sure to Use the Right Tools

If you use the wrong dental products to clean your teeth and gums, you could end up causing more harm than good! Make sure to use:

• Soft-bristled toothbrushes: Toothbrushes with medium or hard bristles can scratch away at your enamel, leaving you with sensitive teeth that are more prone to damage and decay.
• Non-abrasive toothpastes: Overuse of abrasive toothpastes like whitening varieties can weaken your teeth, so make sure to primarily use a fluoridated toothpaste.
• Antiseptic or fluoridated mouthwashes: While cosmetic mouthwash only masks bad breath, antiseptic and fluoridated mouthwashes kill the offending bacteria and strengthen enamel.

4.) Drink More Water

Did you know that staying hydrated can help lower your risk of cavities? Sipping water all day long washes over your teeth and cleans away lingering food debris, sugars, plaque, and sticky residue that would otherwise lead to tooth decay. Staying hydrated and drinking water also encourages saliva production, which acts as your body’s natural deterrent against cavities.

5.) Choose More Smile-Friendly Foods

You can snack your way towards a healthier smile by eating more:

• Crunchy vegetables and fruits: Apples, cucumbers, carrots, and other fibrous foods scrub your teeth as you chew them, which reduces plaque buildup and cavities.
• Dairy products and lean proteins: Cheese, milk, almonds, salmon, beans, nuts, and other foods that contain calcium and phosphorus can help strengthen enamel.
• Fruits and vegetables high in vitamin C: Broccoli, oranges, cantaloupe, strawberries, and other foods with lots of vitamin C promote healthy gum tissue and can help fend off gum disease.

As the year winds down and you get ready to enjoy the fall and winter seasons, take some time to care for your teeth and gums! Implementing these simple yet effective tips into your daily routine can help you maintain a happy, healthy smile for life!

About the Practice

Bear Creek Family Dentistry is proud to offer excellent dentistry for the smiles of Mesquite and the surrounding communities. Our highly trained team of dental professionals and specialists draws on nearly three decades of experience to provide unsurpassed dental care. Whether you or a loved one needs a simple cleaning, a complex restoration, or anything in between, we strive to meet all your oral health needs under one roof. To learn more, feel free to contact us via our website or at (469) 778-4135.