When it comes to October, we all think of Halloween! Here at Cobb Orthodontics, we love Halloween, and we also love it when you have healthy teeth. So, in addition to all the fun trick or treating, we wanted to let people know that the entire month of October is also National Dental Hygiene Month.
What is National Dental Hygiene Month
National Dental Hygiene Month is the month to raise awareness for adults and kids on how to ensure you keep your mouth and teeth in tip-top shape. The American Dental Hygienists’ Association and the well-known Wrigley Company (makers of the famous Wrigley chewing gum) started the tradition. The purpose of it is to raise awareness of the importance of dental hygiene, help people develop good dental hygiene habits, and show appreciation for all the great work that dental hygienists do around the world every day.
How To Have Good Dental Hygiene and Enjoy Halloween
We want people to be able to have their candy and eat it too. Meaning, by eating sweets safe for braces, maintaining good oral hygiene, and keeping your teeth healthy, we think it’s okay to splurge now and then. By following these steps that we are giving you, there is no reason that you cannot indulge in some Halloween goodies.
Good Hygiene Habits
Okay, these are things that you have probably heard a million times from your dentist or orthodontist already. But really, these points are that important. Alright, here we go:
Floss Every Day
Flossing with your braces will help you get rid of food that may get trapped inside your braces and between your teeth. Colgate recommends that when flossing with braces, it is best to use waxed floss with a floss threader. Waxed floss can slip between each tooth easier without catching on to your braces. Gently slide the floss up into the gum line of both teeth before removing the floss and threader and going to the next tooth. Water flossers are a good solution for flossing.
Brush Four Times a Day for Two Minutes
Brush your teeth four times a day — after each meal and before you go to bed. When you brush, make sure to keep the brush at a 45-degree angle. This angle helps keep plaque from building up along the gum line. While you are wearing braces, replace your toothbrush every two months. The metal from the brackets wears down the toothbrush faster than usual. There are also many types of electric toothbrushes that you could get, and they are very effective.
Rinse With Mouthwash
Another thing that people think is optional with oral hygiene is mouthwash. But, according to dental hygienists, it should not be. Aim to make rinsing with mouthwash a regular occurrence after you brush and floss. This antimicrobial rinse will help keep your mouth clean and will do wonders for your breath.
You should follow these steps outside of October too, but this is the perfect time to get started on it.
Enjoy Your Halloween Candy
Candies And Food You Can Enjoy
- Soft chocolate such as Hershey kisses or Hershey bars
- Peanut butter cups
- Candy Corn
- Cotton Candy
- Cup Cakes
- Cookies (without nuts)
- Donuts
- Pie
- Gelatin treats
- Ice cream
- Smoothies
- Root beer floats
- Apple cider
Candies And Food to Avoid
- Hard candies such as Jolly Ranchers, Brach’s hard candies, Life Savers.
- Chewy candies such as Starburst, Swedish Fish, Skittles, Brach’s chewy candies
- Caramels
- Licorice
- Jellybeans
- Taffy
- Bubblegum
- Hard pretzels
- Popcorn
- Popcorn balls
Summary
Oral hygiene is even more crucial when you are wearing braces. When wearing braces, plaque accumulates along the gum line and around the brackets, increasing the chance of cavities and gum disease. But, by following these simple steps, you can always have a healthy mouth, which helps you have a healthy body. And you can look forward to your beautiful smile when you complete your braces treatment!
Please contact us if you have any questions about dental hygiene. We look forward to seeing you in our office and seeing what costume you have!
Happy Halloween!
Dr. Tripp Cobb
Greensboro Orthodontic Office
Randleman Orthodontic Office
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