October is National Dental Hygiene Month and as your dentist in Lakeview, we want to remind you about the importance of oral hygiene. We understand that proper care takes time and sometimes you might not have access to floss or a toothbrush when you need it. This is why we have comprised a list of quick fixes to improve dental hygiene.
Ran Out of Time to Floss?
If you are crunched for time in the morning and flossing is the step that has to go, consider keeping floss picks in other areas. Keep one by your couch so that you can floss while watching your favorite show. Throw a few in your bag and use them on the go. Lack of time should not be a reason to not floss. The Academy of General Dentistry states that flossing even two to three times a week is better than not flossing at all.
Brushing After A Meal
Few people take their oral hygiene seriously enough to floss and brush after each meal, but this is an important habit to start! Food and beverages will sit in your mouth and can stain your teeth or create bad breath. Since you don’t always have access to a toothbrush after a meal, be sure to rinse your mouth thoroughly with water to remove all food particles and lingering sugars.
Fresh Breath
Bad breath can indicate poor oral hygiene. To combat this, make sure to brush your teeth at least twice a day and to floss. If you notice that your breath has a bad odor, we suggest sugar-free gum or mints with xylitol. Xylitol has been shown to have decay-preventative qualities.
Schedule your next cleaning with Family Dental Care today!
Source: Academy of General Dentistry
