Besides being the spookiest month of the year, October is also National Dental Hygiene Month. This was probably done to coincide with the large amounts of candy that are typically consumed this month. Whatever the reason, it’s the perfect time of year to learn how to take excellent care of your teeth and gums by getting a dental cleaning in Hoover. Here are some other tips to keep your teeth nice and clean even when not at the dentist’s office.
Schedule a Visit with Your Dentist in Hoover
If you don’t have your next dental checkup scheduled, go ahead and pick up the phone and do that. Remember that you should get your teeth professionally cleaned and checked out by your dentist at least once every six months to prevent plaque buildup and make sure everything is going smoothly.
Wait Thirty Minutes
You may have heard that you should brush immediately after eating, but that’s actually not true. It’s a good idea to wait at least half an hour after eating before reaching for your toothbrush. This is because acids in your food temporarily make your tooth enamel softer after eating. The abrasiveness of brushing could wear down your enamel over time, leading to sensitive teeth and cavities. Waiting half an hour to brush gives your saliva enough time to neutralize the acids in the foods you just ate.
Clean Between Your Teeth
Although many of us don’t like to admit it, we generally don’t floss as much as we should, which is at least once every day. Did you know that flossing is the only way to clean two of the five surfaces of your teeth? That’s right, brushing alone will only clean 60 percent of your teeth. Flossing is also the best way to make sure your gums are in excellent health.
So, when should you floss? While many of us have been taught to floss after we brush, some dental experts say you should do so beforehand. By flossing before you brush, the spaces between your teeth are more open to receiving the fluoride from your toothpaste. This will make them stronger in the fight against decay.
Chew Sugar-Free Gum
For most of us, it’s downright impossible to brush our teeth in the middle of the day. That shouldn’t stop you from trying to clean your teeth, however. You can always bust out some sugarless gum after lunch. Believe it or not, it cleans your teeth! It does so by stimulating the production of saliva, which washes away excess particles of food and bacteria.
Even though National Dental Hygiene Month is in October, it’s something that should be celebrated all year long. Try implementing these tips into your daily routine to keep your mouth nice and clean.
About the Author
Dr. Marc Moulton has more than three decades of experience in the dental field under his belt, ever since he achieved his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the University of Alabama Dental School. He maintains active memberships in the American Dental Association, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, and the Alabama Dental Association. To book your next cleaning and checkup with Dr. Moulton, contact him through his website or call (205) 988-3360.