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  • Celebrating National Dental Hygiene Month

Happy Dental Hygiene Month!

It’s National Dental Hygiene Month in October! This month is special to us at our Bethlehem GA dentist office for a variety of reasons. The goal of National Dental Hygiene Month is to raise awareness about good behaviors that can help keep your teeth and gums healthy. Healthy teeth and gums can also indicate a healthy body as a whole.

What is Dental Hygiene Month?

In 2009, the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) introduced the month of October as National Dental Hygiene Month. The organization saw a need to focus on excellent oral health.

The organization focuses on the promotion of oral health and wellness, through interactions with the dental hygienist and through educational programs.

How Can You Keep Good Dental Hygiene?

Typically, October is a month associated with plenty of candy and sweet fall treats. Our Pediatric Dentist Bethlehem GA explains that trick or Treating candy hauls are the best part of Halloween, but you can work with them to monitor how much of it they eat. Here’s how you can enjoy this fun, holiday month and still keep optimal oral health for you and your children: 

  • Consider substituting Halloween candy for healthier, sugar-free choices. 
  • Be sure that you brush your teeth at least twice a day for at least 2 minutes, ideally after every meal. Particular after enjoying some of those less than healthy sweet delicious treats.
  • FLOSS.  Our Bethlem family dentist recommends you floss every day. There are some things that brushing alone simply can’t address. Flossing between your teeth can reach those difficult areas that brushing simply cannot get to. Our Bethlem family dentist recommends you floss every day.
  • Use an antibacterial mouthwash that is not alcohol-based. This will help to remove much of the plaque and bacteria in your mouth. This helps prevent gingivitis and tooth decay.
  • Chew sugar-free gum. The production of saliva can help in preventing cavities. If you can’t brush or floss between meals, Easton PA dentist, Dr. David Mogahadam recommends that you simply pop in a stick of your favorite sugar-free gum.

Each of these simple steps can help to keep periodontal disease at bay. Gum disease is the most common factor that impacts the loss of teeth in adults. It is estimated by the ADHA that as many as 75% of Americans are already living with some type of gum disease. Gum disease is closely linked to other illnesses that include diabetes, heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.

Reasons National Dental Hygiene Month is Important

Are you wondering just why it’s important to recognize October as National Dental Hygiene Month? 

It encourages parents and their children to focus on good oral health. No one likes to think of cavities and other tooth decay. Keeping up with your dental wellness routines can help to keep bacteria under control. Without good dental hygiene, you are increasing your risk of developing tooth decay and periodontal disease.

It’s a great reason to get a new toothbrush! Is there a better time of year to get a new toothbrush than Dental Hygienist Month? A soft-bristled toothbrush is a recommendation for most. But it’s important to speak to your dentist and dental hygienist about the type of toothbrush that is best to meet your dental care needs.

Contact our Family Dentist in Bethlehem GA Today

Be sure to get a new toothbrush for every member of the family. Children love being able to pick out their own toothbrushes, especially if they find one with their favorite superhero or character on. Is it time to schedule your six-month cleaning at our Loganville dentist office? No matter what type of dental services you need, you can always count on the Gentle Dental Group to deliver the best dental services possible. Contact us today to make your appointment.

Editor’s note: This post was originally published in October 2020 and has been completely revamped and updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.