5 Daily Habits to Improve Your Oral Health This October 

Halloween is more than pumpkins and costumes; it’s also National Dental Hygiene Month, making it the perfect time to check in on your oral health habits. Good daily routines not only brighten your smile but also support overall health. 

At Solay Dental in Oldsmar, New Port Richey, and Brandon, Florida, Dr. Shiva Soleimani focuses on preventive dental care. Here, she shares simple habits you can start (or strengthen) this month to keep your teeth and gums in top shape.  

1. Brushing regularly using good techniques

Brushing may seem basic, but it’s the foundation of good oral health. We want to remind you of how important this simple habit is for keeping your teeth healthy. Brushing twice a day removes sticky plaque and food debris, helping prevent cavities, gum disease, and bad breath.

Use a soft-bristle brush and clean the front, back, and chewing surfaces of your teeth. Replace your toothbrush every three to four months, or sooner if the bristles fray.

2. Flossing daily

Flossing often gets skipped, but it’s one of the essential habits for oral health as it cleans where your toothbrush can’t, in between teeth and along your gumline. Plaque that gets trapped here can harden into tartar, potentially leading to gum disease or tooth decay. 

Floss once a day, ideally before brushing. Be gentle with the floss so you don’t cut the gum. Wrap the floss around the tooth in a “C” shape rather than snapping it straight up and down.

3. Rinsing for extra protection

A mouthwash with fluoride offers extra cavity protection by strengthening the enamel and rinsing away any leftover food particles. Swish after brushing and wait at least 30 minutes before eating or drinking so the fluoride has time to work.  

Brushing after meals also benefits oral health, but it may not always be possible. If you can’t brush, rinse your mouth out with water to clear out food debris and rinse away bacteria-loving sticky carbs and sugar. 

4. Eating tooth-friendly foods

Good nutrition benefits your whole health, including your oral health. Calcium-rich foods like milk and yogurt help keep your teeth strong. Fiber in fruits and vegetables cleans your teeth and activates saliva that protects against cavity-causing bacteria. 

5. Drinking mostly water

Water makes the best beverage for your teeth. It keeps your mouth moist and washes away food debris.

Watch out for sugar-sweetened beverages. These drinks coat your teeth in sugar, creating a breeding ground for cavity-causing bacteria.

Consistent habits like brushing, flossing, rinsing, and choosing tooth-friendly foods all contribute to a healthy smile. 

Kick off National Dental Hygiene Month by scheduling a professional cleaning and check-up at Solay Dental. Call us today or book an appointment online.