Happy Halloween!
In honor of National Dental Hygiene Month, the American Dental Hygiene Association brings you oral health tips for October!
Don't forget to make #brushflossrinsechew2014 a part of your daily ritual to maintain good oral health!
Oral Health Tip #1: You may have heard that drinking a glass of red wine with your dinner can be good for your heart and overall health; however, frequent wine drinkers may know that red wine has extrinsic staining qualities. Drinking large amounts of red wine can also cause dry mouth, stripping your mouth of saliva which is necessary for healthy gums and teeth. Be sure to drink in moderation, and to brush afterwards to avoid the staining that can occur with consumption.
Oral Health Tip #2: Were you aware that chewing sugar-free gum after meals could have a positive impact on your oral health? Research shows that when you can’t brush or floss while you’re on the go, chewing sugar-free gum is a great alternative to help fight tooth decay because it stimulates saliva production. Increased saliva helps fight cavities, neutralizes acids found in plaque, strengthens teeth, and washes away food from your last meal
Oral Health Tip #3: White teeth don’t always mean healthy teeth. Your oral health and overall wellness should be your first priority — meaning healthy gum tissues and teeth. If you’re interested in whitening, speak with your dental hygienist, who can evaluate whether you’re a suitable candidate for either at-home or in-office whitening. He or she can then help determine the best options for you based on your specific needs
Oral HealthTip #4: You are probably aware of the negative effects that smoking has on your health, but did you know your dental hygienist can help provide the support needed to quit? Tobacco products can stain and destroy your teeth and gums, or serve as a cause of oral and other cancers. Talk with your dental hygienist about recommended tobacco-cessation programs, utilizing their support and expertise.
Oral Health Tip #5: Did you know that proper nutrition benefits your oral health as well as your overall health? Getting the right amount of vegetables and fruits in your diet is key to healthy teeth and gums. Also, be conscious of the high amounts of sugar in sports and energy drinks, which can have a negative effect on your teeth. Set up an appointment with your dental hygienist to discuss how you can make lifestyle changes to create a healthier mouth.
Oral Health Tip #6: If you’re pregnant, you can schedule a prenatal appointment with your dental hygienist to check up on your oral health, discuss care and nutrition plans, and learn how to care for your child’s teeth when they start coming in. Your dental hygienist can provide information on best practices, as well as provide advice for children that are susceptible to cavities, such as supplemental fluoride, and prevention at home
Oral Health Tip#7: Remember that as you celebrate Halloween and enjoy lots of sweets, be conscious of all the sticky candies out there. Chewy, sticky candies coat and get in between your teeth, adhering to the surfaces, covering them in sugar — and causing potential damage to your teeth. Parents should make sure their kids “Brush. Floss. Rinse. Chew.” after eating these sticky treats as a way to prevent cavities in the future — and do so themselves as well!
Don't forget to make #brushflossrinsechew2014 a part of your daily ritual to maintain good oral health!
Oral Health Tip #1: You may have heard that drinking a glass of red wine with your dinner can be good for your heart and overall health; however, frequent wine drinkers may know that red wine has extrinsic staining qualities. Drinking large amounts of red wine can also cause dry mouth, stripping your mouth of saliva which is necessary for healthy gums and teeth. Be sure to drink in moderation, and to brush afterwards to avoid the staining that can occur with consumption.
Oral Health Tip #2: Were you aware that chewing sugar-free gum after meals could have a positive impact on your oral health? Research shows that when you can’t brush or floss while you’re on the go, chewing sugar-free gum is a great alternative to help fight tooth decay because it stimulates saliva production. Increased saliva helps fight cavities, neutralizes acids found in plaque, strengthens teeth, and washes away food from your last meal
Oral Health Tip #3: White teeth don’t always mean healthy teeth. Your oral health and overall wellness should be your first priority — meaning healthy gum tissues and teeth. If you’re interested in whitening, speak with your dental hygienist, who can evaluate whether you’re a suitable candidate for either at-home or in-office whitening. He or she can then help determine the best options for you based on your specific needs
Oral HealthTip #4: You are probably aware of the negative effects that smoking has on your health, but did you know your dental hygienist can help provide the support needed to quit? Tobacco products can stain and destroy your teeth and gums, or serve as a cause of oral and other cancers. Talk with your dental hygienist about recommended tobacco-cessation programs, utilizing their support and expertise.
Oral Health Tip #5: Did you know that proper nutrition benefits your oral health as well as your overall health? Getting the right amount of vegetables and fruits in your diet is key to healthy teeth and gums. Also, be conscious of the high amounts of sugar in sports and energy drinks, which can have a negative effect on your teeth. Set up an appointment with your dental hygienist to discuss how you can make lifestyle changes to create a healthier mouth.
Oral Health Tip #6: If you’re pregnant, you can schedule a prenatal appointment with your dental hygienist to check up on your oral health, discuss care and nutrition plans, and learn how to care for your child’s teeth when they start coming in. Your dental hygienist can provide information on best practices, as well as provide advice for children that are susceptible to cavities, such as supplemental fluoride, and prevention at home
Oral Health Tip#7: Remember that as you celebrate Halloween and enjoy lots of sweets, be conscious of all the sticky candies out there. Chewy, sticky candies coat and get in between your teeth, adhering to the surfaces, covering them in sugar — and causing potential damage to your teeth. Parents should make sure their kids “Brush. Floss. Rinse. Chew.” after eating these sticky treats as a way to prevent cavities in the future — and do so themselves as well!