For the fifth year, the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) and the Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company are collaborating to celebrate National Dental Hygiene Month. The two organizations hope to promote awareness about dental hygiene and the significance of good oral health. Your Katy dentist Dr. Lathrop supports the four pillars of National Dental Hygiene Month: brushing twice a day, flossing every day, rinsing with mouthwash, and chewing sugar-free gum.
Brush, Floss, Rinse, and Chew
Dr. Lathrop discusses the four components of National Dental Hygiene Month.
- Brushing: Dr. Lathrop recommends that patients brush teeth twice a day for two minutes. Brushing teeth will remove plaque buildup and help to prevent cavities. If plaque remains on teeth, it can harden into tartar. Tartar can only be removed by a professional dental cleaning. Plaque and tartar buildup are responsible for the beginnings of gum disease.
- Floss: Dr. Lathrop also extols the importance of flossing at least once a day. Dental floss can thoroughly clean between teeth and along the gum line, areas that a toothbrush head cannot fully clean. Flossing helps to ward off cavities but also reduces one’s risk for gum disease. Dr. Lathrop and his friendly hygienists can assist you in finding the right type of floss for your teeth so that flossing does not have to become a dreaded chore but can instead become a quick, comfortable daily task.
- Rinsing with Mouthwash: Rinsing once a day with an anti-microbial mouthwash can not only freshen breath but also targets oral bacteria to lower plaque and slow gingivitis. Gingivitis is inflammation of the gum and an early stage of gum disease.
- Chewing Sugar-free Gum: Chewing sugar-free gum can elevate saliva flow, and saliva helps to fight against cavities. Saliva remineralizes enamel after bacteria’s acid byproduct damages teeth. Saliva also rinses the mouth of remaining food particles.
About Your Katy Dentist
Dr. Colin Lathrop and the Lathrop Dental Center provide stellar preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry in a welcoming, calming environment. Dr. Lathrop’s services include sedation, emergency, orthodontic, and dental implant dentistry. Dr. Lathrop proudly serves patients and families from in and around Katy, Fulshear, Weston Lakes, Simonton, Richmond, Rosenberg, Brookshire, Wallis, Orchard, and all surrounding communities. If you’d like to schedule a dental appointment, you can reach our office in Katy, TX, by calling (832) 437-3849.
