World Oral Health Day is celebrated each year on March 20th, but you can take steps each day to make sure your teeth and gums stay healthy. From regular brushing and flossing to visiting your dentist every six months for a dental checkup, keeping your teeth healthy and preventing cavities is fully in your control. Follow these steps while celebrating World Oral Health Day!
What is World Oral Health Day?
Started in 2007, the holiday is part of a campaign to promote awareness of proper dental health. This year, the campaign is “Say Ahhh: Act on Mouth Health,” in order to promote the connection between dental health and general health.
What Can I Do to Participate?
You can celebrate World Oral Health Day by taking care of your dental health! This can be done in several ways:
- Following a sensible diet. High-sugar candies, acidic soda and coffee, and tobacco products can stain your teeth, causing your natural enamel to break down. If you eat candy, Dr. Anna Berik recommends to eat candy in one sitting, rather than spreading it out over several weeks. That’s not to say that if you have a bag of candy, you should eat it all at once, but to protect your teeth you can have a couple of pieces before brushing your teeth.
- Regular brushing and flossing. You should be brushing your teeth at least twice per day and flossing at least once, using products with the ADA stamp of approval. You should replace your toothbrush every three months, once between checkups and after your regular dental visit. While brushing your teeth, make sure you go over each surface in order to remove residue from food consumed during the day on the front, back and sides of your teeth. When it comes time to floss, use an 18-inch piece as you go between each tooth, moving the material in a crisscrossing motion.
- Keep regular dentist appointments. Make sure you are visiting your dentist every six months to check your teeth for cavities, chips, and alignment. Your dentist will also be able to perform scans for oral cancer, which is treatable when caught early.
Dental Checkups & Cosmetic Dentistry in Newton & Boston, MA
If you are in need of a dental checkup, contact Newton Dental Associates for an appointment! We will be able to perform a cleaning and checkup, going over any points of concern with you during your visit. Newton Dental Associates can be reached by calling 617-965-0060 or filling out our online contact form.
