October Is Healthy Hygiene Month. 

Here Are Some Dental Hygiene Tips from Our Experts.

October is Healthy Hygiene Month, making it the perfect time to give your daily dental routine a little extra attention! Good oral hygiene does more than keep your smile bright—it helps protect your teeth and gums and supports your overall health. 

Our experts at Walton Dental Group are sharing simple, practical dental hygiene tips to help you maintain a healthier smile all year long.

Why Good Dental Hygiene Matters

A healthy smile is about more than just having clean teeth. Good oral hygiene helps prevent cavities, gum disease, and other dental concerns that can affect your overall well-being.

• According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 1 in 5 adults ages 20–64 has at least one untreated cavity.
• Additionally, the CDC reports that nearly 42% of adults age 30 and older have periodontitis, a form of gum disease that affects the tissues supporting your teeth.

While these statistics may be surprising, many oral health problems can be prevented or managed with consistent at-home care and regular visits to your dentist.

Healthy Dental Hygiene Habits You Shouldn’t Skip

A healthy smile starts with consistent daily habits. These simple steps can help keep your teeth and gums in great shape:

• Brush for two minutes, twice a day. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to remove plaque and help prevent cavities.
• Remember to floss. Daily flossing cleans between your teeth where your toothbrush can’t reach.
• Schedule a dental cleaning every six months. Regular checkups help your dentist spot potential problems early and remove plaque and tartar buildup.
• Clean your tongue. Use your toothbrush or a tongue scraper to remove bacteria that can contribute to bad breath and long-term health issues.
• Chew sugar-free gum after meals. It helps stimulate saliva production, which washes away food particles and neutralizes acids in your mouth.

Brush Often and Not Too Aggressively

Dr. Walton often sees two common mistakes when brushing teeth:

1. Not brushing enough. Can’t say it enough! Twice a day is ideal, but three times a day can help if you want to brush after every meal.
2. Brushing too aggressively. Brushing aggressively isn’t a healthy way to compensate for not brushing enough. In Dr. Walton’s words, “it’s not something you can save up for and fix all at once.”

Remember, a healthy smile is built on good daily habits, not how hard you scrub! 💙🦷

Use Mouthwash Before And After Brushing

Should you use mouthwash before or after brushing? One of our EFDAs, Sally, likes to do both! 

• Before brushing: Mouthwash can help loosen up debris and plaque so it’s easier to remove when you brush and floss.
• After brushing: Mouthwash helps with a final rinse to clean up any remaining bacteria and freshen your breath.

Remember: Mouthwash Isn’t a Replacement for Brushing

Mouthwash can be a helpful addition to your oral hygiene routine, but it shouldn’t replace brushing and flossing.

Depending on the type, mouthwash can help freshen breath, reduce plaque, or provide additional protection against cavities.

Keep in mind that different products serve different purposes. Using mouthwash at a separate time from brushing may help preserve the benefits of the fluoride in your toothpaste.

If you’re unsure which mouthwash is right for you, your dental team can help you choose one that supports your specific needs.

Small Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

Your mouth can tell you a lot about your oral health. If you notice frequent gum bleeding, persistent bad breath, increased tooth sensitivity, or changes in your gums, it may be time to schedule a dental visit.

These symptoms don’t always mean something serious is happening, but addressing concerns early can help protect your smile in the long run.

Keeping Up With Regular Dental Visits

Even with excellent brushing and flossing habits, professional dental care remains an important part of maintaining a healthy smile.

Professional cleanings help remove hardened plaque, known as tartar, that cannot be removed through brushing and flossing alone.

Regular dental exams also allow your dental team to identify early signs of cavities, gum disease, and other concerns before they become more serious.

Time to Schedule?

Think it’s time for a dental visit? Even if you’re behind on your 6-month cleaning, we can still help you get back on-track. Give one of our locations a call, text, or request an appointment online.