We’re here to remind you why it’s so important to keep up with daily oral health practices, and what you can do to improve your routine.

What is Dental Hygiene Month? 

Dental Hygiene Month is a time to learn about good oral health habits and take steps to improve your own oral health. Practicing proper dental hygiene techniques daily can help you avoid chronic issues such as tooth decay and gum disease. See our Daily Oral Health flyer for tips on maintaining your healthy smile.

This Dental Hygiene Month, focus on the following healthy habits and set routines you can stick to throughout the year. You will notice a difference in your smile and your oral health.

Healthy Habits To Follow this Dental Hygiene Month

Brush Twice Daily

Brush your teeth twice daily for at least two minutes each time with a fluoride toothpaste to help avoid tooth decay. Be sure to practice proper brushing techniques, such as angling your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gums and paying extra attention to your gumline, hard-to-reach areas and your tongue. Learn how to maximize your brushing routine with our video, which includes tips such as brushing for at least two minutes each time and learning how to best brush all surfaces of your teeth.

Floss Daily 

The American Academy of Periodontology recommends flossing as an essential part of your dental hygiene routine, as it reduces the likelihood of tooth decay and gum disease. Flossing can remove food particles and bacteria that are lodged between teeth during the day in a way brushing alone does not. If you don’t already floss regularly, try adding it to your daily dental hygiene routine by always flossing right after you brush in the evening. 

Rinse with Mouthwash

Rinsing your mouth with mouthwash after brushing and flossing can further help wash away plaque and prevent gingivitis. For extra protection, opt for a mouthwash with fluoride. Fluoride helps strengthen tooth enamel and reverse the early stages of tooth decay.

Chew Sugar-free Gum 

If you aren’t able to brush your teeth after a meal, chew sugar-free gum instead. This increases saliva flow, which helps wash away the acids that cause tooth decay and other oral health problems from your mouth. Saliva is a natural cavity-fighting agent, and chewing sugar-free gum can help boost the protection it gives your teeth.

Be Conscious of Your Food and Drink Choices

Try cutting back on the sugar in your diet this month and going forward. One of the best places to start is by cutting down on sugary drinks like soda. The sugars in soda increase your risk for cavities, and there are healthier ways to add flavor to your beverages. For a refreshing drink with significantly less sugar, add a splash of 100% fruit juice, or a squeeze of lemon or lime, to a glass of water.

If you do eat or drink something with extra sugar every now and then, drink a glass of water afterward. This will help rinse away excess sugar from the surfaces of your teeth.

Visit the Dentist Regularly 

Even with an excellent daily oral hygiene routine, you may still be at risk for cavities or gum disease. Not all signs of gum disease or other oral health conditions are obvious, and you may not be able to recognize symptoms immediately. Dentists are trained to look for signs of tooth decay and gum disease. In addition, dentists can detect symptoms of other diseases that affect your whole body during a regular dental exam, such as diabetes, heart disease or oral cancer. Visit your dentist regularly for a thorough cleaning and the chance to catch and treat any oral health problems or medical conditions early.

TruAssure’s Max Savings, Choice and Choice Plus plans for individuals and families offer three cleanings per year, giving you more opportunities to ensure your dental hygiene is in the best shape possible. This Dental Hygiene Month, make an appointment with a network dentist.* Get started with our Find a Provider search tool.

* All TruAssure dental plans, other than Basic and Preferred dental plans, are offered in association with the DenteMax Plus dental network arrangement, which includes participating dentists from the DenteMax, United Concordia and Connection dental networks. TruAssure Basic and Preferred dental plans for both group and individual members are offered in association with the DenteMax dental network.