From the Desk of Dr. Angela F. Filzen, D.D.S., GNHC Chief Dental Officer
Oral health is a part of one’s overall health. In recognition of National Dental Hygiene Month this October, we would like to encourage you to see your dentist, at least twice a year, for a regular checkup.
Dental Hygienists play an important part of the dental team and work cooperatively with the dentist to help meet the oral health needs of patients. We support the four components of good oral health maintenance shared by The American Dental Hygienist’s Association.
Brush
Always brush two minutes, two time a day, every day. Brushing for two minutes twice a day is crucial to maintaining healthy smiles. Proper brushing technique cleans teeth and gums effectively.
Floss
Ensure Flossing is a Daily Habit. Daily flossing (or other methods of interdental cleaning) removes plaque and food particles that cannot be reached by a toothbrush, particularly under the gum line and between teeth. Failure to do so can allow for plaque buildup in these areas – which in turn can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.
Getting into the routine of daily flossing can be a challenge. Making flossing easier can improve compliance with recommendations for daily flossing. If you resist flossing, try to determine why and tell your dentist or dental hygienist. Knowing the precise reason you are not flossing will enable them to recommend floss with the right thickness, coating or filaments so you might be encouraged to floss more often.
Rinse
Use mouthwash to improve oral health. Remember that the teeth themselves account for less than half of your mouth, so brushing and flossing alone cannot eliminate all plaque and germs. Be sure to finish your oral care routine with an antiseptic mouthwash that carries the ADA Seal of Acceptance.
Chew
Chewing sugar-free gum after eating can help fight tooth decay. Chewing sugar-free gum after eating is clinically proven to be an important part of good oral health. The action of chewing sugar-free gum stimulates the most important natural defense against tooth decay – saliva – which in turn helps fight cavities, neutralizes plaque acids, remineralizes enamel to strengthen teeth, and washes away food particles. Help your body naturally fight against tooth decay by chewing sugar-free gum after meals.