The pumpkin spice and candy all appear at once as soon as fall starts, but October isn’t just the beginning of “spooky season”–it’s also National Dental Hygiene Month! What does this mean, who put this together, and why does it matter in the first place? You’ll find the answers to all of these questions and more below as we discuss how regular oral hygiene can do much more than just keep cavities away!
The What
National Dental Hygiene Month is celebrated every October (coincidence?) and was established in 2009 by the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (more on them in a moment). The purpose is to not only place national awareness on the importance of oral hygiene both in and out of the dentist’s chair, but also to make sure everyone is aware of the best practices based on the latest research.
The Who
Founded in 1923, the ADHA is the largest professional organization that advocates for the professional interests of hygienists around the country. Dental hygiene as a job within the dental office was relatively new at the time, and concepts revolving around oral hygiene were largely perpetuated on a small scale through individual offices. That means there wasn’t a widespread effort to make sure everyday people knew how to clean their teeth at home and why it was important.
NDHM is not just about helping everyone keep their mouth clean and teeth bright, but it also celebrates hygienists themselves and their efforts to ensure the population stays informed, healthy, and positive when it comes to their dental care.
The Why
NDHM is all about shining a spotlight on the significant role dental hygiene plays in reducing the risk of diseases that affect not just the mouth, but the whole body. Tooth decay is one of the leading preventable health issues around the world, and mountains of research have shown that people with dental problems have a much higher risk of conditions like heart disease, diabetes, obesity, Alzheimer’s, and more.
In short, oral hygiene keeps the number of harmful bacteria in your mouth under control, preventing it from affecting your teeth and gums as well as blocking it from entering your bloodstream and reaching different parts of your body.
And just so everyone is on the same page, here are the current best practices recommended by the ADHA:
- Everyone should brush their teeth at least twice a day for two minutes each time using a soft-bristled brush and fluoridated toothpaste.
- Flossing should be done once in the evening right before bed.
- Rinsing with an alcohol-free mouthwash can help remove even more bad bacteria.
- A person should receive at least two professional dental cleanings from a hygienist each year. This can help identify trouble spots in the mouth and remove built-up plaque that can’t be handled at home.
Thanks to the efforts of the ADHA and countless individual hygienists around the country, the oral health of America is better than it ever has been, but there is still a lot of room for improvement! So between all the sweet treats you enjoy this season, be sure to follow the practices above and schedule a cleaning for you and your loved ones if you haven’t already. That way, you’ll have plenty to smile about for the holidays ahead.
About the Author
Dr. Michael Kirk has taken care of Oklahoma City families for over 30 years. In that time, he has helped thousands of patients avoid the need for more advanced dental work just using simple checkups and cleanings alongside our excellent hygiene team. If you’re eager to safeguard your smile and health with a simple trip to the dentist, click here or call Grand Dental Studio at (405) 848-3719.