October is National Dental Hygiene Month!

You have probably already made plans to celebrate National Dental Hygiene Month! But, just in case you didn’t know there was such a thing, Pacific Northwest Smiles would like to suggest that you celebrate by taking some time this month to look at your dental care routine, to make sure your oral health is at its best and stays that way. You should also know some warning signs that your oral hygiene needs some help and that it is time to make an appointment with your favorite dentist.

Why bother with your oral health?

Taking good care of your teeth and gums is important for a beautiful smile (and fresh breath) – and it also helps to prevent the pain and hassle of having cavities and other issues. However, poor oral health can also lead to health problems in other parts of the body. An infection in your mouth can spread easily to the rest of the body, contributing to heart disease, stroke, pneumonia, and pregnancy complications.

The most common signs of poor oral health, besides tooth decay, are bleeding gums, gum recession, tooth ache, and chronic bad breath.

To improve your oral health, make sure you:

• Thoroughly brush at least twice a day, using a soft bristled toothbrush at a 45-degree angle toward the gums.

• Floss at least once a day. Your dentist can advise you on the best technique — it does make a difference how you do it.

• Avoid tobacco products.

• Brush your tongue, with your toothbrush or a tongue scraper.

• Rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash every day (choose one that is alcohol-free to prevent dry mouth).

National Dental Hygiene Month is the perfect time to take a look at your oral care routine to make sure you are doing all you can to stay healthy. Seeing your dentist regularly is a great way to maintain good oral health – you may need to visit more than twice a year if you are prone to oral health problems. If it is time for a cleaning, or if you are having pain or problems, call Pacific Northwest Smiles for an appointment. Call the office in Mill Creek, Washington, at 425-357-6400, today!