Do you know what October is, besides the first full month of autumn? It’s National Dental Hygiene Month, which makes it a perfect time to thank your dental hygienist for that brilliant smile! And what better way to repay them than taking steps to maintain your smile in between visits?
While we recognize dental hygienists for the role they play in preserving good oral health, October also is a month to “Start the Conversation” about how we all can do a better job on our own oral care.
According to the American Dental Hygienists’ Association, that starts with the Daily 4: Brush, Floss, Rinse and Chew.
How To Do The "Daily 4"
We all know we should brush our teeth every day, but did you know “two” is the magic number when it comes to brushing? Brushing for two minutes two times a day helps prevent cavities, gingivitis and other oral disease.
Flossing removes food particles a toothbrush can’t reach, while rinsing with an antimicrobial mouthwash helps remove total mouth bacteria and biofilm. It’s a three-part process we should be doing at least twice every day.
So, where does “chew” fit into the equation? Chewing sugar-free gum after snacks and meals complements healthy oral care and helps protect teeth, while also stimulating saliva glands that help clean your teeth.
In addition to preaching the Daily 4, dental hygienists are the ones who Save Our Smiles (#SOS) through cleaning services at the dentist’s office. They also perform basic oral care, check for gingivitis, and show us effective cleaning and oral care techniques. Which is why a visit to the dental hygienist should be on our “to-do” lists at least twice a year.
Interested in Starting Your Dental Hygiene Career?
As you can see, dental hygienists are good people to know. If you’d like to fill that role in the lives of others, Fortis College offers dental hygienist career education programs at several campuses across the country. If you’re ready to begin your education and training to prepare you for a career ranked among the top jobs in the healthcare field, contact Fortis today!
