October is National Dental Hygiene Month (NDHM). This year’s focus for NDHM is on the four components of good oral health practices: brushing teeth, flossing, rinsing with mouthwash and chewing sugar-free gum.

Since the creation of their practice, the dentists at Oakwood Dental have aspired to improve both oral and overall wellness in Staten Island patients. By offering numerous services to boost dental health, they not only provide preventative measures, but also expert techniques for handling severe dental problems.

Whether a patient is concerned with the condition of their teeth or the aesthetics of their smile, Oakwood Dental arts offers services that range from teeth cleanings, cavity fillings and wisdom teeth removal to Invisalign invisible braces, dental crowns by means of CEREC, porcelain veneers and dental implants. Whatever the case may be, Oakwood Dental is there for you and to address any and all of your dental needs.

In recognition of National Dental Hygiene Month, make sure to remember all of the health practices recommended by your dentist at Oakwood Dental. The following is a quick guide on how to improve your daily oral health regimen:

Brush: Remember the 2’s!
Brush teeth for two minutes, at least two times per day.
Brushing for two minutes twice a day is the most important method for reducing plaque and preventing cavities and other related diseases.

Floss: Make Flossing a Daily Habit
Getting into the routine of flossing can be difficult. Daily flossing removes plaque and food particles that normally aren’t reached by a toothbrush. Lack of flossing can lead to plaque buildup between teeth and under the gumline, which in turn can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.

Rinse: Use mouthwash to finish the job
Rinse your mouth daily with an anti-microbial mouthwash. Your teeth alone account for less than half of your mouth, so rinsing manages to take care of those tough to reach areas throughout your entire mouth.

Chew: Chew sugar-free gum after eating to help fight tooth decay
Chewing sugar-free gum after eating has been clinically proven to be an important part of good oral health. The action of chewing stimulates the production of saliva, which in turn helps fight cavities, neutralizes plaque acids, washes away food particles and fortifies enamel.

Make an appointment at an Oakwood Dental location in Staten Island to visit your dentist and celebrate National Dental Hygiene Month with a beautiful and healthy smile!