Are you doing all you can every day to keep your teeth as healthy as they can be? If you are like most people, you may not be – maybe you don’t floss as often as you should, or maybe you skip brushing a couple of times a week. October is National Dental Hygiene Month, which makes it the perfect time to take a look at your oral health care routine and make sure you are doing all you can to take good care of your teeth and gums!

How are your dental care habits?

It is easy to fall into bad habits – maybe you do brush, but you don’t really do it as thoroughly as you should, or maybe you don’t floss correctly. Take the time this month to change your bad dental habits to good ones. For instance

• Are you brushing your teeth at least twice a day? It should take you at least 2 minutes to do a really thorough job. Use a toothbrush with soft bristles and toothpaste with fluoride. For the outer part of the teeth, put your toothbrush at a 45 degree angle to the gums, and for the inner surfaces place it at a vertical position. Use gentle strokes. And make sure to brush your tongue!

• Are you flossing at least once a day? It’s best to do it at the end of the day, using string floss. Make sure to get up into the gums, and move the floss up and down five times.

• Are you using mouthwash after you brush and floss? Mouthwash should be used to supplement brushing and flossing – not as a substitute! You don’t need a lot of mouthwash, only a few teaspoons. Swish it around, gargle for 30 seconds, and then spit it out.

October as National Dental Hygiene Month is a great reminder of how important it is to take good care of your oral health. It only takes a few minutes a day, and it will save you time, trouble, and pain. The staff at Bentz Dental Implant & Prosthodontic Center wants to help you have beautiful and healthy teeth. Call to make an appointment today, at (610) 272-6949!