Celebrate National Smile Month during the month of June! National Smile Month is the biggest national campaign to promote good oral health in the United States. A healthy smile transforms your visual appearance, adds to a positive outlook, and improves the health of your mouth and overall wellness.

National Smile Month gives you a reason to take a look at your oral health, to learn more about why a healthy smile is so important and to share tips on how to improve and maintain it. A smile has many day-to-day benefits, including greater confidence and a positive influence in all aspects of your life. As a result, devoting time to your oral health makes a lot of sense!

From May 13 to June 13, 2019, thousands of people participate in an effort to focus on oral health with the emphasis on the following three important components to help people of all ages develop and maintain a healthy mouth.

Brush for Two Minutes, and with Fluoride Toothpaste

Knowing when and how to brush your teeth is a vital part of a healthy smile. Brush your teeth before bed for two minutes and at least one other time during the day with a fluoride toothpaste.

Brushing your teeth before bed is pretty crucial for getting rid of the germs and plaque that accumulate throughout the day. The bacteria in your mouth produces acid and if neglected, the acid byproducts may eat into your enamel and cause cavities. It’s recommended that you brush your teeth before you go to sleep and when you wake up. If you get into the habit of feeling what it’s like to have a clean mouth before bedtime, you’re likely to make that become part of your routine. Dragon breath in the morning is pretty descriptive of what your mouth smells like after sleeping all night. Brushing your teeth in the morning not only helps freshen your mouth, it is also doing a favor for those you live with.

The type of toothpaste you use is also an important element of good oral health. There is a plethora of toothpaste choices out there, and understanding what to look for will help you decide what kind of toothpaste is right for you. Look for toothpaste that has the American Dentist Association (ADA) seal of approval and for one that contains fluoride. Fluoride is an essential and effective ingredient used in reducing the number of cavities over the past few decades.  What’s right for you, likely is not the same as for your children. Your dentist is a good resource to recommend products based on your oral health and individual needs.

Flossing is as Important as Brushing

Brushing your teeth is just one component of good oral hygiene. Many who brush their teeth regularly neglect to floss. Flossing once a day before bed accomplishes several things:

• Removes particles of food that are stuck between your teeth
• Stimulates the gums
• Reduces plaque between your teeth
• Lowers inflammation in the gums

Mouthwash is the “Final Rinse” After Brushing

Mouthwash is more than just a way to freshen your breath, it’s the final step in caring for mouth at the end of the day. Mouthwash reduces the acids in your mouth, cleans hard-to-brush areas in and around the gums, and remineralizes your teeth. Check out the ADA site to learn other qualities mouthwash has in caring for your oral health before bedtime.

Help Everyone Reduce Consumption of Sugary Foods and Drinks

Sugary drinks are a daily habit for many Americans. These drinks are not healthy for your body and they wreak havoc on your dental health and smile. A 12-ounce can of soda contains 9.75 teaspoons of sugar per can and juice or energy drinks have a similar amount of sugar in each serving. The American Heart Association guidelines of 6-9 teaspoons of sugar a day is dwarfed by consumption of just one sugary drink a day. That number doesn’t include the other sugary treats that are consumed every day; cookies, candy, and believe it or not, chips, crackers, breads and other carbohydrates that turn to sugar are also problematic.

Eating carbs throughout the day leaves people more prone to cavities. Sugar from carbs or blatant sweets, converts into acid in the mouth, which can erode the enamel of your teeth. These acids are what lead to cavities and tooth loss. Acidic fruits, teas, and coffee can also wear down tooth enamel. You don’t necessarily have to avoid such foods altogether, but be mindful and snack on non-sugary fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and nuts instead of turning to the cookie jar.

Visit Your Dentist Twice a Year

Ultimately, the aim of the National Smile Month campaign is to help improve your oral health. Visiting the dentist regularly promotes good oral health and is an essential part of your overall health. Annual dental visits are not just for keeping your teeth white; seeing the dentist can help prevent heart attacks and strokes caused when germs from decayed teeth make their way into your bloodstream, causing inflammation, and introducing infection and diseases.

Dr. Shane S. Porter of Premier Dentistry of Eagle, provides dental care for the whole family and includes a comprehensive list of general, restorative and cosmetic dental care. He also uses the most current technological developments and the best techniques available in today’s world.

Do your part in celebrating National Smile Month and contact our office for an appointment or call (208) 546-0655. We are conveniently located at 467 South Rivershore Lane in Eagle, and provide treatment to patients in the surrounding communities of Star, Middleton, Meridian, Garden City, and Boise, Idaho.

By brushing your teeth twice-a-day, maintaining a low sugar diet and regular visits to Dr. Porter’s office, you can help reduce the risk of dental decay and gum disease – both of which can result in tooth loss. A smile might be a small gesture, yet it can have a remarkable effect on your state of mind and how others perceive you; your smile creates an immediate, impact on the people you meet. Celebrate your smile this month and long into the future!