October is National Dental Hygiene Month and to celebrate we will be spreading awareness about why dental hygiene is important. A strong hygiene routine can keep your teeth healthy and your smile lasting a lifetime. Ignoring dental hygiene can result in risky problems that cause a lot of pain both in your body and your pocketbook. We have listed a few tips below that may help you evaluate your own dental hygiene routine. Your dental team in Sheridan, WY is always available to help give advice in person at your next visit. 

Brushing Techniques

Do you feel confident that your brushing technique is perfect? Is each session of brushing your teeth at least two minutes long? Do you spend a good amount of time on each quadrant of teeth? It is important to remember to brush each and every surface of your teeth. Rinsing with a non-alcoholic mouthwash after brushing can help ensure that any remaining bacteria is cleared away. Alcohol can be drying to your mouth and a dry mouth is more susceptible to decay.

Drinking Water

Throughout the day, be sure you are drinking eight glasses of water a day. Not only is it good to keep your body hydrated, but it keeps your mouth hydrated as well. Drinking water can also keep any harmful agents out of your mouth. If you are sipping on another type of drink, say your morning coffee, it is important to follow the sips with sips of water. This can keep your mouth rinsed and any potential staining particles out of your mouth.

Chewing Sugarless Gum

Sugarless gum after a meal can be a great way to clean the mouth in between brushing sessions. Gum is not a replacement for a good hygiene routine, but it can become an important part of it (especially if you eat many meals away from home and your toothbrush).

Happy Dental Hygiene Month!

Celebrate October with a routine dental cleaning. Schedule an consultation by calling Grinnell Street Dental in Sheridan, WY, at (307) 672-7567. We also proudly serve the residents of Gillette, Billings, Miles City, and all surrounding communities.