October is here, which means everyone is thinking about colder weather, Halloween candy, and… healthy teeth? That’s right! October is recognized as National Dental Hygiene Month! There’s no better way to protect your smile from Halloween cavities and keep it healthy for the upcoming holidays than prioritizing oral health at the start of fall. Read on as your San Antonio dentist shares five healthy habits you can start implementing into your daily life today to celebrate!
1.) Clean Your Smile Thoroughly
If you only brush your teeth for a few seconds before rushing out the door in the morning or crawling into bed at night, you’re putting yourself at a much higher risk of oral health conditions. To fend off tooth decay, gum disease, oral infections, and more, make sure you clean your smile thoroughly by:
- Brushing your teeth for two minutes twice a day.
- Flossing between all your teeth daily.
- Rinsing with an antiseptic or fluoridated mouthwash regularly.
2.) Don’t Give Up On Flossing If You Find It Difficult
It’s no secret that flossing isn’t a popular pastime. Many people find it awkward, uncomfortable, or difficult. However, that’s no reason to forgo this important step of your daily dental care routine! To make flossing easier, try using a high-quality waxed floss, a floss pick, or a pre-threaded flosser. Remember, the more you floss, the less awkward and uncomfortable it will feel!
3.) Make Sure to Use the Right Dental Products
Cleaning your smile with the wrong tools can end up causing more harm than good! Make sure you’re using:
- Soft-bristled toothbrush: Hard- or medium-bristled toothbrushes are abrasive and can wear down your enamel, leaving you with sensitive teeth that are more prone to damage and decay.
- Non-abrasive toothpaste: Regularly using whitening toothpastes can scratch away at the surface of your teeth, so make sure to primarily use fluoridated toothpaste instead.
- Antiseptic or fluoridated mouthwash: Instead of covering up bad breath with cosmetic mouthwash, get rid of the offending oral bacteria and strengthen your teeth by using a fluoridated or antiseptic mouthwash.
4.) Drink More Water
Not only is staying hydrated good for your health, but it can help lower your risk of tooth decay too! Sipping water all day long washes away lingering sugars, particles, food debris, and sticky residues on your teeth that would otherwise cause cavities. It also encourages saliva production, which is your body’s natural defense against tooth decay!
5.) Choose More Smile-Friendly Foods
While you indulge in some Halloween candy and other festive treats, try to also eat more foods like:
- Crunchy vegetables and fruits: These fibrous foods scrub your teeth as you chew them, which helps brush away plaque and reduce your risk of cavities.
- Dairy products and lean proteins: Foods with calcium and phosphorus are a natural and delicious way to help strengthen your teeth.
- Fruits and vegetables high in vitamin C: Oranges, cantaloupe, broccoli, and other foods high in vitamin C promote healthy gum tissue and can help fight off gum disease.
Simple healthy habits like the ones above can go a long way in maintaining a happy, healthy smile for life. This October, try incorporating these easy tips into your everyday life for healthier teeth and gums!
About the Author
Brice Dental is proud to serve the smiles of San Antonio and the surrounding communities with friendly, comfortable, and high-quality dentistry. Dr. Zachary Brice and his team go above and beyond to create a home-like and relaxing atmosphere to ensure you feel as comfortable and confident as possible. Whether you need a quick checkup or a full-mouth reconstruction, they strive to make every appointment as pleasant as possible. To learn more, feel free to contact him via his website or at (210) 680-3611.