In addition to October being National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, dental practices across the land will be celebrating proper dental hygiene the entire month!

In honor of this dental-centric October occasion, we’d like to take this opportunity to showcase some seemingly obvious, but far too often overlooked, dental hygiene facts, courtesy of the American Academy of Dental Hygiene.

Brush 2 minutes, 2 times per day toothbrush_national_dental_hygiene_month

Brushing your teeth for two minutes at least twice a day remains a critical component to maintaining a healthy smile.

Studies have shown that brushing for two minutes is perhaps the single most important step an individual can take to reduce plaque build-up and the risk of plaque-associated diseases, such as cavities and gingivitis.

Floss Daily

Proper flossing or interdental cleaning removes plaque and food particles in places where a toothbrush cannot easily reach — under the gumline and between your teeth. Because plaque build-up can lead to tooth decay and gum disease, daily flossing is highly recommended. toothbrush_national_dental_hygiene_month

Flossing is an essential part of the tooth-cleaning process because it removes plaque from between teeth and at the gumline, where periodontal disease often begins.

Studies have revealed that only 16% of 961 periodontal patients followed over an eight-year period, complied with the recommended maintenance schedules.

Click the link to learn more about what to expect at your next Dental Hygiene Appointment.

Remember to floss daily, and brush for 2 mins per day – 2x day!

This simple oral health care regimen will not only lead to a happier encounter with our dental hygienists, and a healthier smile, we could also go a long way toward protecting ourselves against future maladies, such as heart disease, stroke, or diabetes.