October is National Dental Hygiene Month and Oral Systemic Health Month

by | Oct 23, 2017 | Oral Health

It’s October. What are you doing to make sure your smile is the best it can be?

We know everyone leads busy lives, but no matter how busy you are you should always take some time to make sure that your teeth and gums are healthy. October is National Dental Hygiene Month and Oral Systemic Health Month, and our Newtown, PA, cosmetic dentist, Dr. Robert Lantzy, is here to tell you some ways in which you can keep your smile looking and feeling its best.

Why practice good hygiene?
You only get one smile, and while teeth are durable they are not impervious to decay, infection or traumatic injuries. Why sit through a dental procedure to repair your smile instead of just preventing it from the very beginning?

Preventative care is the name of the game when it comes to National Dental Hygiene Month and Oral Systemic Health Month. We want to prevent decay, gum disease and other issues from plaguing you rather than waiting for them to surface.

Being proactive in your dental health also means finding and treating any disease quickly. Gum disease is the number one disease affecting mankind—80% of adults have it—so there is a good chance you have it and don’t know. The most common signs of gum disease are bleeding gums, bad breath, and receding gums. Talk to our hygienists and dentist if you are experiencing any of these symptoms. Our hygienists work with you and perform a high level of monitoring to customize our care for your particular situation, whether that means coming in more frequently if you are at risk for periodontal disease, or helping you re-engage in a good oral healthcare routine and providing tips on how to maintain great oral health.

But Dr. Lantzy and his team are not committed to your dental health just for your smile. They know that there is a growing body of research on the relationships between oral disease and systemic health. A disease in your mouth can impact your entire body, so an infection that starts in your tooth can spread to the rest of your body. Oral issues can also be signs of other health problems, for example, periodontal disease has been linked with serious conditions such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

What is involved in maintaining good dental hygiene?
Maintaining good oral health is actually fairly simple. Here are some ways to promote healthy teeth and gums in your family:

  • Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss daily.
  • Make sure that you allot at least 2-3 minutes to brushing your teeth.
  • Replace old, frayed toothbrush heads immediately.
  • Visit our Newtown dentist for routine checkups every six months (our fabulous hygienists will not only get your teeth super clean but they also can provide helpful oral care tips).
  • Eat a healthy, balanced diet that is rich in vitamins and nutrients. Avoid sugar, sodas, and junk foods.
  • Come in for a visit right away if you notice any changes to your teeth and gums or if you experience any symptoms. The sooner you seek treatment the better.
  • Always wear a mouthguard if you are going to participate in sports.

Do you need to schedule your six-month cleaning? Have questions about the dental services we offer in Newtown, PA? If so, then it’s time to find out what we can do for your smile this October (and for the future!). Call our office today.