October is National Dental Hygiene Month. This tradition helps people remember the importance of oral health. Although most people know that their dentist says they should brush at least twice a day and floss at least once a day, there are many other things you could be doing to improve your oral health.

4 Ways Your Dentist Wants You to Improve Your Oral Hygiene

1. Brush Correctly

Brushing in the morning and at night can only do so much if your technique isn’t correct. The American Dental Association recommends that you brush your teeth at a 45-degree angle to the gums, then move back and forth gently in short strokes, brushing the entire surface of every tooth. To clean the inside surface of your front teeth, tilt the brush vertically and make several up and down strokes. 

2. Scrape Your Tongue

After you brush, there may still be bacteria on your tongue. It’s best to remove it so it doesn’t impact your teeth. Removing this bacteria can also help get rid of bad breath. Many toothbrushes have a scraper on the back, or you can buy one.

3. Change Your Brush

Most people wait to change out their brush until their biannual dentist appointment. However, brushes should be switched out every three to four months. Otherwise, the bristles dull over time and bacteria can accumulate, so you won’t get the best clean.

4. Floss Properly

To get the full benefits of flossing, you need to do it correctly. Make sure to move the floss forward and backward in a “C” shape while wrapping around each tooth. Don’t reuse a dirty part of the floss. Make sure the piece is long enough so you can move it along every few teeth.

If you want to improve your oral hygiene and keep your smile healthy, consider using Revercomb Dental Group in Manlius, NY. They’ve been a family owned business for over 44 years, and their dentists offer a wide variety of services including dental checkups, root canals, extractions, implants and more. They put the patient first and maintain a soothing environment. Visit their website to read patient testimonials or call (315) 682-8400 to set up your first appointment.