National Dental Hygiene Month was created to remind people of the importance of good oral health. This is month is a great time to review your own oral health routine, and check to see when you visited family dentistry in Stuart, FL last. How do you measure up? The checklist below can help you to be sure you’re properly taking care of your mouth and teeth:
- Visit family dentistry in Stuart, FL twice per year for regular cleanings and exams. If you haven’t already, set up your next appointment now so you won’t forget. Remember, plaque, a clear, sticky layer of bacteria, often develops on the teeth. If not removed, it can harden and become tartar. Tartar can’t be removed with brushing and flossing, and if allowed to build up, it can cause oral diseases.
- Change your toothbrush every two to three months. After time, the bristles start to fray and it won’t clean your teeth and gums properly.
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day using toothpaste that contains fluoride.
- Floss twice daily.
- Use a mouth rinse, or mouthwash, to help get rid of plaque bacteria and help freshen your breath.
- Scrape your tongue with a tongue scraper at least once per day to remove bacteria that can cause plaque. Scrape from back to front five times, or until the scraper is clean, to remove the “gunk” that develops.
- Avoid frequent exposure to sugary and/or acidic drinks like soda, including diet soda.
When you visit your family dentist in Stuart, FL, have a conversation with your dental hygienist, who can talk to you about your daily oral habits, and help you improve your oral health with a good home care routine.
Celebrate National Dental Hygiene Month by aiming for a great dental checkup by getting a new toothbrush, incorporating better home care habits, and limiting sugary and acidic drinks, and you’ll be well on your way to a healthy, attractive smile you can enjoy for many years to come.