May 16 marks the start of National Smile Month! This month runs from mid-May until June 16 and is designed to raise awareness about the importance of having good oral health and a healthy smile.

In recognition of the month, our team at Cottonwood Dental wants to share some tips about good oral hygiene habits

The Value of a Healthy Smile

The good news is that achieving and keeping a healthy smile can be pretty easy when you follow certain oral health habits. Do your part in creating a healthier smile by taking better care of your oral health:

Start by brushing your teeth at least two times a day for two minutes at a time. Many people choose to brush their teeth first thing in the morning and right before going to bed.

Setting a timer or using an electric toothbrush can both be good ways to ensure you’re brushing for an appropriate amount of time. While brushing, use a soft-bristle brush and avoid putting excessive pressure on your teeth and gums.

Second, don’t forget to floss! The debris that gets caught in between your teeth can really start to cause issues with your oral health. While you can floss after brushing, consider taking some floss with you so that you can floss during the day after eating. There is no such thing as too much flossing!

You also want to cut down on the number of sugary drinks and foods you have on a daily basis. Sugar can increase your risk of gingivitis and gum disease since it can destroy the enamel on your teeth.

Brushing and flossing your teeth can help to keep the enamel strong but drinking water and eating healthier foods can help keep the protective layer on your teeth even stronger.

And finally, don’t forget to schedule regular checkups with the dentist, where we can do a thorough cleaning of your teeth and check for problem areas.

Has it been more than six months since your family visited the dentist? Contact the team at Cottonwood Dental today to set up appointments for the entire family!

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