Oral Care Tips – October is National Hygiene Dental Month

October is National Dental Hygiene Month so of course we have to celebrate by sharing some of our favorite oral care tips!

We’re extremely proud of the work our dental hygienists, Jeanne and Thui, do day-in and day-out to get all of our patients teeth sparkling clean. But getting your teeth cleaned twice a year is only half of the battle.

So in honor of National Dental Hygiene Month, please take a moment to raise your dental hygiene game with our unique oral care tips.

Oral Care Tips You Might Now Know About

Get A Child’s Toothbrush: If you’ve ever sat in a hygienist’s chair, you might have noticed that we use a very small toothbrush. Using an extra big brush can cause you to miss spots and you can wear down your enamel if you’re not careful. So, the next time you’re buying a new toothbrush, consider going to the children’s section and getting one with your cartoon character. Just make sure you are thorough with your brushing!

First, Brush Without Paste: Did you know brushing without toothpaste prior to putting on the toothpaste can dramatically reduce plaque build-up? In a six-month trial published in the Journal of the American Dental Association, patients who first brushed their teeth with a toothbrush that didn’t contain toothpaste (and then with toothpaste afterwards) saw a definite reduction in plaque and bleeding.

Chew (Sugarless) Gum: Clinical studies have shown that chewing sugarless gum for 20 minutes after a meal can greatly help prevent tooth decay. The chewing of sugarless gum increases the flow of saliva, which helps wash away food particles and neutralize acids produced by bacteria in the mouth.

What are the unique oral care tips you’ve heard of? We want to know so leave them in the comments below.

If you have any questions about oral hygiene or want to schedule an appointment with us, feel free to call Davidson Dental Group at (510) 352-9212 or email us.