In honor of National Dental Hygiene Month, our family dentist in Chicago is here to challenge you! While our oral health is part of our daily routine, it often seems mundane and like you are going through the motions. This month, try to establish habits that will serve you well in the future! We challenge you to complete the following:
Check Your Toothbrush
When’s the last time you switched out your toothbrush for a new one? You should aim to change your toothbrush at least once every 3 months, but you may want to do this more often if you have recently been sick. Your toothbrush can be a breeding ground of germs, so make sure that it’s not caked in toothpaste debris or stored in an enclosed environment.
Hold Your Brush On an Angle
For maximum efficiency, hold your toothbrush on a 45-degree angle from your gums. Along your gumline is where most of the plaque and bacteria build up inside of your mouth, so this is the portion of your mouth where you should focus the most energy. Also, don’t forget to brush your tongue as well! This will help freshen your breath and keep bacteria at bay.
Don’t Forget to Floss
You’ve heard this before, but a gentle reminder is always a good idea. Flossing is the only way to reach certain areas of your mouth. You may think you are doing a thorough enough job brushing, but in reality, there are many areas that brushing can’t reach. Flossing is fast and efficient.
Can you go 3/3 in October’s challenge? We look forward to seeing you at your next appointment!
