You’ve heard it all your life—brush and floss your teeth. But this oral health maintenance is much more important than you may think. October is National Dental Hygiene Month—a way to raise awareness about the significance of oral healthcare. How do you clean your smile? Do you see the dentist regularly? Keep reading to learn how dental checkups in Greenfield keep you healthy as well as some pro at-home cleaning tips!
Why is Dentistry Important?
Dental care goes far beyond checking teeth for cavities. During your routine checkups and cleanings, dentists look for gum disease, infection, tooth decay, oral cancer, and any other abnormalities. In fact, dentists alone catch 84% of oral cancers, making routine visits potentially lifesaving. Additionally, during the cleaning portion of your visit, your hygienist will remove plaque and tartar that can’t be reached at home. The American Dental Association recommends regular dental visits at least twice a year to prevent and detect problems in the mouth before they lead to more extensive and expensive treatment.
You may have known that seeing your dentist and maintaining a good oral health routine keeps your mouth healthy, but did you know it can impact your overall wellbeing, too? Recent studies have shown a strong link between oral health problems like gum disease and your overall health. Gum disease can increase your risk of heart attacks by 20%, and it can also raise chances of strokes, certain cancers, diabetes, and even Alzheimer’s.
How Can You Stay Healthy Outside of the Dentist’s Office?
The key to good oral health is your at-home routine. Remember to brush and floss every day. Brushing should be done twice a day and flossing once. This regular cleaning will remove plaque and bacteria before it can form into tartar and cause problems like decay. You can also add a nonalcoholic mouthwash to your routine for a deeper cleaning. There are some areas of the mouth that even your brushing and flossing won’t reach.
Another great way to stay healthy is to watch what you eat. October means Halloween is right around the corner, bringing an influx in candy with it. While it’s almost impossible to avoid all sugary snacks, you can be especially careful of extra sticky or hard candies. These sweets stay in contact with your teeth for longer periods of time, leading to higher risks of cavities and tooth decay. Instead, if you’re going to indulge, reach for some chocolate—a candy that easily washes away from your teeth!
Are you ready to give yourself a happy and healthy smile? Use these tips for keeping your smile in shape during National Dental Hygiene Month and year-round!
About the Practice
At BGH Dental, we have a team of 3 experienced dentists, allowing us to offer a wide range of services for all of our patients. We want you to stay healthy in and out of our office, which is why we’ve provided some pro oral hygiene tips. If you have any questions, we can be contacted through our website or by phone at (413) 772-0842.