The American Dental Hygienists’ Association wants to remind everyone on Halloween that October is National Dental Hygiene Month. What better time of year to focus on good oral hygiene then when kids are trick-or-treating for lots of candy?
Tips for good dental hygiene:
- Learn more about xylitol. Xylitol is derived from plants, is as sweet as sugar and contains fewer carbohydrates. On top of that, xylitol fights cavities and is found in a wide range of products.
- Brush teeth for two minutes, twice a day. Studies have shown that two minutes of brushing is the single most important step in taking care of your teeth. Even babies should get into the habit, with products such as the BabyGanics Say Aahhh! Fluoride Free Toothpaste ($6, www.babyganics.com), a safe to swallow toothpaste for babies and children.
- Floss daily. Because plaque build-up frequently occurs in hard-to-reach places (such as between your teeth), flossing is often the best way to clean these areas.
- Rinse with mouthwash. A mouthwash with the American Dental Association seal of approval will help keep your whole mouth free of plaque and gingivitis germs.
- Chew sugar-free gum after meals. Especially if you can’t brush right away, sugar-free gum helps to stimulate saliva, which fights tooth decay. Candy and gum containing xylitol, such as SparX candy ($8, www.xlear.com) will even help to protect your teeth from cavities.
