For most, October is best known for its 31st night — All Hallows’ Eve, or Halloween. As such, many people spend it finding scary costumes and getting ready for trick-or-treaters. Still, Halloween isn’t October’s only claim to fame. You see, these thirty-one days are also National Dental Hygiene Month! In other words, this month is a time to celebrate and honor good oral care. If any of you want to participate, your local practice can help. Read on to learn four oral hygiene tips from your dentist in Long Island City.
Brush Your Teeth Before Bed
If you’ve heard it once, you’ve heard it a thousand times: You should brush your teeth twice daily, for two minutes apiece. Even so, this habit is tricky to maintain over long periods. In particular, it’s very easy to skip nightly brushing in favor of sleep.
You really should brush your teeth before bed, though. Doing so removes the germs and plaque that gather in your mouth throughout the day. In contrast, not following this practice can lead to tooth decay and cavities.
Don’t Skip Tongue-Brushing
Many dentists emphasize the need to brush your teeth and gums. However, did you know brushing your tongue is also a good idea?
As it turns out, your tongue can build up plaque like other parts of your mouth. When that buildup reaches high levels, it can lead to bad breath and other oral health problems. To keep such things from happening, gently brush your tongue every time you brush your teeth.
Limit Your Sugary & Acidic Foods
Even if it’s the month of Halloween, sugary and acidic foods still harm teeth. For one thing, sugar attracts bacteria that convert it into enamel-eroding acids. Naturally-acidic items like fruits, teas, and coffee also wear down teeth. Left unchecked, this erosion process can then lead to tooth decay and cavities.
Needless to say, therefore, limit your intake of such things — your mouth will thank you for it!
Eat More Crunchy Fruits & Veggies
Just as there are foods bad for teeth, there are also those that help your pearly whites. To get more of the latter, then, add more crunchy fruits and veggies to your diet.
You see, specific fruits and vegetables are nutrient-rich and strengthen your enamel. Plus, some make you chew more, stimulating your body to produce mouth-cleaning saliva.
In the end, you ought to spend this October caring for your teeth. Therefore, practice the above tips from your dentist in Long Island City.
About the Author
Dr. Ishwinder Saran is a dentist based in Long Island City, NY., having earned his DDM from the Boston University Goldman School of Dental Medicine. He’s also a member of the American Dental Association and the NY State Dental Association. Given this background, his specialties are preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry, as well as emergency care. Dr. Saran currently practices at LIC Dental Associates and is reachable on his website or by phone at (718)-280-3286.