Celebrate National Dental Hygiene Month by visiting your dental hygienist in Fort Lauderdale.

We are celebrating National Dental Hygiene month at Excellence in Dentistry in Fort Lauderdale. National Dental Hygiene Month was started to celebrate dental hygienists and boost awareness about the importance of good oral health habits.  The American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) campaigns for awareness of proper dental hygiene during this month to encourage people to take care of their teeth and gums.  Dental hygiene is the practice of keeping the mouth, teeth and gums clean and healthy to prevent disease. A dental hygienist is a licensed dental professional who focuses on the prevention and treatment of oral diseases.

What are some good oral hygiene habits?

• Brush regularly: Your dentist in Fort Lauderdale encourages you to brush twice a day.  Brush gently and thoroughly for two minutes using a soft-bristled toothbrush and an ADA approved toothpaste. Use circular motions and make sure to brush your teeth, gum, and tongue.
• Floss: Flossing at least once a day prior to brushing eliminates any food debris between your teeth. 
• Use mouthwash: Mouthwash combats plaque and gingivitis and prevents bad breath by reducing the amount of bacteria in your mouth. 
• Visit your Fort Lauderdale dentist for regular check-ups:  A checkup starts with your professional cleaning by your dental hygienist to get rid of plaque and/or tartar. Following your dental cleaning, your dentist will perform a thorough examination of your mouth. 
• Maintain a healthy diet: Limit sugary and starchy foods that provide bacteria with the nourishment it needs to flourish to avoid gum disease and decay.
• Drink plenty of water. Plaque is less likely to buildup in a clean, hydrated mouth. Acids from plaque can harm your tooth enamel, but drinking water dilutes acids to help protect your teeth.

What problems can occur due to bad oral hygiene?

Your oral health is linked to your overall health. You may be unaware that bad oral hygiene has been linked to other health problems. Studies have shown a link between improper oral health and the following:

• Cardiovascular disease
• Respiratory infections
• Diabetes
• Pregnancy complications
• Kidney disease
• Rheumatoid arthritis

According to Johnson and Johnson, your mouth contains both healthy and unhealthy bacteria  "known to cause cavities and disease. Together, they form a community called biofilm, probably better known to you as dental plaque—or that slimy feeling you may have on your teeth when you wake up in the morning. When the balance between these bacteria shift because of a poor diet, poor oral hygiene and other health issues, it can cause the harmful bacteria to take over. Left unchecked, this imbalance can lead to bad breath, cavities, gum disease and even tooth loss. "  If oral health problems such as gingivities and periodontitis are left untreated, the bacteria can find its way into the blood vessels that supply blood to your gums and teeth. Eventually, the bacteria may travel to other parts of your body potentially leading to the conditions listed above. Your dentist in Fort Lauderdale wants you to take your oral hygiene routine seriously because it impacts more than just your mouth.

Why should I visit my dental hygienist twice a year?

1. Professional dental cleaning:  Your teeth may feel and appear fine, but just brushing and flossing at home can not prevent plaque and tartar build up. A professional dental cleaning and polish will remove all traces of both tartar and plaque, which are major causes of gum disease, dental decay, and tooth loss.

2. Education : A registered dental hygienist possesses a wealth of knowledge about oral health. During your visit, your hygienist will educate you about proper dental hygiene and answer any oral healthcare questions.  

3. Brighter smile:  Your dental hygienist can remove many common stains from your teeth to brighten your smile.  Your hygienist can also provide in-chair whitening for a whiter smile.  

    

According to the CDC, “Dental hygiene and oral health are often taken for granted but are essential parts of our everyday lives.”  While your at home oral health care routine is your first line of defense, your dental hygienist is your ally in the battle against gum disease and cavities. Visit Excellence in Dentistry in Fort Lauderdale in October to help us celebrate NATIONAL DENTAL HYGIENE MONTH and show our appreciation for our awesome dental hygienists.   Call Excellence in Dentistry at 954-928-1666 to schedule your dental cleaning with one of our awesome hygienist!

Dr. Nancy Rotroff and Dr. Gerard Wasselle

Excellence in Dentistry

2480 E. Commercial Blvd, Suite 2

Fort Lauderdale, FL  33308