October is the start of many things; Breast Cancer Awareness month, National Dental Hygiene (NDYM) month, and National Orthodontic Health month, along with Halloween! At Southridge Dental Group in Fontana, California, Dr. Sanjay Merchant and our team want to wish our patients a happy fall season while taking care of their healthy smiles.
National Dental Hygiene month’s (NDYM) message is known as “Do The Daily 4”. These are the four most important parts of a preventative oral health regimen:
1-Brushing
Brushing those pearly whites twice a day for at least two minutes each time. Doing this will lessen plaque to help prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
2-Flossing
Flossing in between your teeth and gums once a day. You can use dental floss or interdental brushes. Doing this will remove food particles and plaque in those places where your toothbrush can’t reach.
3-Mouthwash
Rinsing with an anti-microbial mouthwash once a day. This will help freshen breath, and most important of all, help prevent gum disease. Make sure to find a mouthwash with the ADA Seal of Acceptance on the packaging. This ensures the product is both safe AND effective.
4-Sugarless Gum
Chewing sugarless gum actually boosts your daily regimen, by “cleaning” your teeth after eating and drinking when you can’t actually brush your teeth. Chewing accomplishes this by stimulating saliva production which neutralizes plaque acids, remineralizes enamel and washes away food particles.
Besides encouraging the daily 4, you can help prepare your child for smart Halloween celebrating by providing candy that is easily rinsed away, such as powdered candies which dissolve easily, and avoid chewy or hard, sticky candy. You can also encourage drinking water or milk after snacking on sweets. Water helps rinse away bacterial film and milk has a high pH to offset the acid in the candy.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule a dental checkup and cleaning, please call our Southridge Dental Group team in Fontana, California at 909-822-9090. Dr. Sanjay Merchant and our team wish you and your family a frightfully healthy Halloween!