Articles and Information

October is National Dental Hygiene Month

September 30 2019
Health and Wellness

Say Cheese!

October is Dental Hygiene MonthOctober is National Dental Hygiene Month. Fresh breath, strong teeth and healthy gums are all part of oral health. That’s why it’s important to brush every day, and also to get regular checkups and cleanings at the dentist’s office.

There are four basic steps to caring for teeth and gums:

  • Brushing
  • Flossing
  • Rinsing
  • Eating right
  • Visiting the dentist

Brushing Your Teeth and Gums

Brush teeth and gums at least twice a day. If you can, brush 30 minutes to 1 hour after every meal. Brushing removes plaque, a film of bacteria that clings to teeth. When bacteria in plaque come into contact with food, they produce acids. These acids lead to cavities.

Flossing Your Teeth

Floss your teeth once a day. Flossing gets rid of food and plaque between the teeth, where your toothbrush cannot reach. If plaque stays between teeth, it can harden into tartar, which must be removed by a dentist or hygienist.

Rinsing Your Teeth & Gums

The third part of your daily oral care routine should be mouthwash — but not just any mouthwash. Rinse daily with an antiseptic (also known as antibacterial) mouthwash to help kill bacteria that cause plaque, early gum disease, and bad breath.

Eating Right and Dental Health

For good dental health, eat a variety of foods, avoiding those that contain sugars and starches. These foods produce the most acids in the mouth, and the longer they stay in the mouth, the more they can damage the teeth. Hard “sucking candies” are especially harmful because they stay in the mouth a long time. Snacking on sugary foods can lead to tooth decay, because most people don’t brush after snacks. Starchy snack foods, like potato chips, stick to the teeth.

Dental Check-Ups

Visit your dentist at least once every six months. To maintain healthy teeth and gums, it’s important to have regular check-ups and professional cleanings. You should also see your dentist if you have pain in your teeth or mouth or bleeding, swollen gums.

Everyone should have access to affordable dental care.  Contact Avenue 360 Dental to see how we can help you and your family members!

Make an appointment with our dental office.


The information contained in this Avenue 360 Web site is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment, and Avenue 360 recommends consultation with your Avenue 360 doctor or health care professional.