Daily 4

Dental Hygiene

The Daily 4

What is the Daily 4?

Brush your teeth twice daily

Floss daily

Rinse with an anti-microbial mouthwash daily

Chew sugar free gum

If you haven't already guessed it, October is National Hygiene Month. The American Dental Hygienists' Association and the William Wrigley Jr. Company are teaming together for the 6th straight year to increase public awareness of the importance of good oral health.

The Daily 4 are activities that help with oral hygiene.

Brush your teeth twice daily for 2 minutes each time.

Brushing for 2 minutes is the most important method for decreasing plaque and preventing cavities. For proper brushing techniques go to

http://www.adha.org/resources-docs/7221_Proper_Brushing.pdf

http://www.cdc.gov/OralHealth/pdfs/BrushUpTips.pdf

http://www.toothwisdom.org/resources/entry/toothbrushing-tips-for-caregivers

Floss Daily

Flossing can reach places that a toothbrush can't reach such as between teeth and near the gum lines.

http://www.adha.org/resources-docs/7222_Proper_Flossing.pdf

https://www.text2floss.com/ (created by the Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health and CellTrust Corporation)

Rinse

Rinse daily to help prevent gum disease. Use a rinse that has the ADA Seal of Acceptance.

http://jdh.adha.org/content/88/suppl_1/40.full?sid=9dcb5bb8-f168-4b2f-ac51-416a9040058b

http://www.listerine.com/mouth-coach/rinsing-guide

Chew Sugar free gum

Chewing gum after meals and snacks can help improve your oral health. Gum can help remove bacteria and increase saliva production.

Remember October is National Hygiene Month and February is National Children's Dental Health Month!!