Dental hygiene central to well-being

October has been declared National Dental Hygiene Month by the American Dental Hygienists’ Association. This is an excellent opportunity to recognize the great work performed by dental hygienists every day and to focus on what we can do on a daily basis to achieve optimal oral health.

For many, hygienists are “the face” of the dental practice due to the important role they play in their patients’ oral health and overall well-being. In addition to delivering care, hygienists assist in the prevention and treatment of oral disease by educating patients on the relationship between oral health and systemic health. They work with patients to develop home care plans to maintain oral health. Hygienists also give advice on over-the-counter products, nutrition and smoking cessation.

National Dental Hygiene Month is a great time to start on the road to excellent oral health by committing to a dental hygiene routine. It takes just a few simple steps:

Brush at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste.

Floss at least once a day.

Limit consumption of soda, high sugar juices and sports drinks; drink more water in their place.

Limit intake of foods that are sticky or high in sugar.

Visit a dentist and hygienist twice a year, and be sure your visit includes an oral cancer exam; many dental practices offer state-of-the-art oral cancer screening tools that help dentists and hygienists identify abnormal tissue at its earliest stage.

Proper oral health is important for denture wearers, too. If you wear dentures be sure to brush your gums, tongue and palate every morning with a soft-bristled brush before you insert your dentures to stimulate circulation in your tissues and help remove plaque. And be sure to visit your dentist for an annual checkup.

By taking these steps, every month can be Dental Hygiene Month.

Maureen Howes, RDH, MS

Director, Hygiene Services

Aspen Dental Management Inc.