The Halloween season is that frightfully fun time of year when everything turns topsy-turvy, creepy, and kooky. However, it can be especially scary for dentists because of the gruesome heaps of candy thrown in every conceivable direction. To help prevent the germ monsters that cause tooth decay from getting out of hand during this spookiest time of year, October is also Dental Hygiene Month. Here are some tips that will keep your fangs in biting shape for next year.
If Your Teeth’s Enemies You Wish to Crush, You Should Use a Toothbrush
Brushing your teeth regularly will eliminate most of the tooth decay-causing plaque and food debris clinging to your smile. You should take care to brush at least twice a day, once in the morning after breakfast and once at night before bed while using a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste. Be sure to brush every surface of your teeth that you can reach along with your gums and cheeks using circular, gentle strokes. Every brushing session should last for a solid two minutes. This will freshen your breath and keep your smile free of unsightly debris.
To Keep Plaque from Growing Like Moss, Break Out the Dental Floss
As great as brushing your teeth is, it can’t do the whole job on its own. Flossing every day is just as important as brushing because dental floss can clean the tiny spaces between your teeth where a toothbrush cannot reach. While this will clean away plaque and food particles, it will also stimulate circulation in the gums, helping them fight infections, reduce inflammation, and be healthier in general.
To Give Those Germs a Good Mincing, Give Your Mouth an Antibacterial Rinsing
Some people think of mouthwash as optional extra credit, and some others think that it can be used as a substitute for brushing if you’re pressed for time. Neither of these groups is correct. Antibacterial mouthwash is recommended as an essential part of a daily oral hygiene regimen. Using this stuff every day will strengthen your teeth, freshen your breath, and kill more than 99% of the germs that cause tooth decay and gum disease.
Be sure to have all the terrifying good times you can handle this Halloween season. Just remember to take care of your teeth while you do it. Good habits are just as hard to break as bad ones, so October is a great time to build an excellent oral hygiene regimen that will keep your teeth healthy and beautiful for life.
About the Author
Dr. Thomas A. Gromling earned his dental doctorate at the Medical College of Virginia at Virginia Commonwealth University in 1979. He has nearly four decades of experience in dentistry and proudly serves as a member of the American Dental Association, the Virginia Dental Association, and the Academy of General Dentistry. His office in Stephens City, VA offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry. For more information on keeping your teeth healthy during the Halloween season, contact his office online or dial (540) 869-4377.