Every October, the Kahului, HI, dental care experts at Implant Center of Maui celebrate National Dental Hygiene Month, honoring the importance of good oral hygiene practices and the role of dental hygienists in promoting a healthy mouth and smile. This year, the celebration focuses on four basic oral hygiene routines: brushing, flossing, chewing, and rinsing. Read on to learn about best practices with regard to each routine.

Brushing

Though most patients understand the importance of brushing twice each day, not everyone is aware of proper brushing techniques. To begin, place your brush at a 45-degree angle to the gums. Use gentle, short strokes, while paying special mind to the back teeth, areas of restoration such as crowns and fillings, and the gum line. Make a point to brush both the inner and outer surfaces of the teeth as well as your tongue to combat bacteria and ensure fresher breath.

Flossing

Despite what you may have heard, flossing is still crucial to maintaining tooth and gum health. Daily flossing can help remove plaque and debris that your toothbrush may have missed. Dental care experts recommend using an 18-24 inch line of floss, wrapping the ends around your middle and index fingers, and moving the floss up and down and side to side against each tooth.

Rinsing

Using a non-alcohol mouth rinse can help combat harmful bacteria that is unaffected by brushing and flossing. This can reduce your risk of infection and decay while promoting fresher breath.

Chewing

Chewing sugar-free gum after meals has been scientifically proven to protect your teeth. Chewing increases saliva in the mouth, working to neutralize and remove harmful acids that might otherwise cause plaque and decay.

When it comes to professional dental care, Kahului, HI, residents trust Implant Center of Maui. Serving patients for over 30 years, their team of experts offers a full range of restorative, cosmetic, and preventative dentistry services, including dental cleaning, teeth whitening, dental implants, and more. Visit the practice online or call (808) 877-3606 to learn more about their dental care services.