October is National Dental Hygiene Month

Every October, National Dental Hygiene Month is observed— a country-wide initiative designed to celebrate the important work of dental hygienists and spread awareness about proper oral health.

What is National Dental Hygiene Month?
National Dental Hygiene Month is recognized every October in the United States, helping to spread awareness about the importance of oral health and hygiene. It is also designed to honor the essential work that dental hygienists provide. This month-long observance was originally established by the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) in 2009 and now reaches its 16th anniversary in 2025.

Why is Dental Hygiene So Important (and Celebrated)?
Although it’s not always talked about, dental hygiene is critical to our overall health. Think about it: Oral health directly affects our ability to eat, speak, and smile. When we have issues with our oral health, it makes these activities much harder to do. But the impact of oral health goes much deeper. Because the mouth is a gateway into the body, it is also deeply connected to our physical health and well-being.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), oral disease— from your common cavity to gum disease—has the power to cause debilitating pain and exacerbate other health conditions. Poor oral hygiene can also increase a person’s risk for heart disease, stroke, and respiratory issues and oral cancer. Protecting your oral health by practicing good oral hygiene can substantially increase the likelihood of keeping your teeth for a lifetime.
So, while brushing, flossing, and visiting the dentist may seem routine, the impact these efforts can have on your health is profound—and worth celebrating. When a person has good oral health and keeps their mouth clean, they can experience benefits like:
▪ A brighter smile
▪ Enhanced self-confidence
▪ Fresher breath
▪ Improved digestion (healthy teeth allow you to chew, which is essential for digestion!)
▪ Protection against serious health conditions
▪ Reduced risk of gum disease, tooth decay, and cavities

Unfortunately, though, many people end up neglecting their oral health. Due to busy schedules, financial hurdles, or simply a lack of awareness, oral hygiene can easily get deprioritized. Below are tips for great oral health.

Brushing
Use fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride is what protects teeth from tooth decay and cavities. It prevents decay by strengthening the tooth’s hard outer surface, called enamel. Angle your toothbrush bristles toward the gumline allowing them to clean between the gums and teeth. Brush all the sides of each of your teeth gently, using small, circular motions, and avoid back and forth scrubbing. Brush your tongue.

Flossing
Use a string of floss about two feet long. Wrap it around the middle finger of each hand and grip it between your thumb and index fingers. Ease the floss gently between your teeth until it reaches the gumline (don’t force the floss into place as this could harm the gums). Curve the floss like the letter “C” around the side of each tooth. Slide the floss up and down under the gum.

If you are experiencing challenges with your oral health, please contact your healthcare provider. For additional resources and information on dental hygiene, visit the CDC's Basics of Oral Health website.

References: DHS.gov, and Goodwin University