{"id":128,"date":"2025-10-07T13:11:03","date_gmt":"2025-10-07T13:11:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.langworthyfamilydentistry.com\/blog\/?p=128"},"modified":"2025-10-07T13:11:05","modified_gmt":"2025-10-07T13:11:05","slug":"national-dental-hygiene-month-oral-health","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.langworthyfamilydentistry.com\/blog\/2025\/10\/07\/national-dental-hygiene-month-oral-health\/","title":{"rendered":"National Dental Hygiene Month: 4 Tips for Keeping Your Smile Healthy"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"207\" src=\"https:\/\/www.langworthyfamilydentistry.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/AdobeStock_577263189-1.jpeg\" alt=\"Father and son brushing teeth together\" class=\"wp-image-129\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Did you know that October is National Dental Hygiene Month? It\u2019s the perfect time to take a closer look at your oral hygiene practices and make sure that you\u2019re doing everything you can to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.langworthyfamilydentistry.com\/preventive-dentistry.html\">prevent<\/a> dental issues. Chances are that there\u2019s at least a little room for improvement in your oral care routine; as such, here are 4 tips that can help you maintain a cleaner, healthier smile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<!--more-->\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Make Sure You\u2019re Brushing Properly<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>You probably already make a point of brushing your teeth at least two times a day. However, it\u2019s important to make sure you\u2019re practicing proper brushing technique. Otherwise, you could end up missing plaque that could eventually lead to cavities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s generally recommended that you brush your teeth for about two minutes to ensure that you\u2019re cleaning your enamel as thoroughly as possible. When you brush, use gentle, circular motions; this will make it easier to clean the entire surface of every tooth as well as the gum line.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Start Flossing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Food and plaque can easily build up in the spaces between your teeth, and it\u2019s hard to clean these areas effectively with your toothbrush. As such, if flossing isn\u2019t already a part of your daily oral hygiene routine, you should make it one as soon as possible. Remember, you don\u2019t need to stick to traditional string floss if it\u2019s difficult for you to use; floss picks and interdental brushes can also be useful tools for cleaning the hard-to-reach nooks and crannies in your mouth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Give Your Tongue Attention<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Harmful oral bacteria can build up on your tongue just as easily as they accumulate on your teeth and gums. Over time, this can lead to bad breath and change the way that food tastes. On top of that, it can raise your risk for oral health issues such as cavities and gum disease. As such, whenever you brush your teeth, you should take the time to brush your tongue as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Start Drinking More Water<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition to brushing and flossing every day, drinking plenty of water is essential for keeping your smile healthy. A sip of water can rinse away bacteria as well as any food particles that may have been lingering on your teeth and gums since your last meal. It also helps keep your mouth moist, which is essential for preventing cavities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By following the tips above and visiting your dentist every six months for routine checkups and cleanings, you can keep your teeth and gums in excellent health for many years to come.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">About the Author<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Dr. Kristen La Bianca Langworthy is a graduate of the North Carolina School of Dentistry. She has completed many hours of continuing education at SPEAR Education and other respected institutions, and she holds membership with various professional organizations, including the North Carolina Dental Society. She\u2019s fully dedicated to helping patients enjoy clean, healthy smiles. If you would like to schedule a preventive checkup and cleaning with Dr. Langworthy at Langworthy Family Dentistry in Fuquay-Varina, visit her <a href=\"https:\/\/www.langworthyfamilydentistry.com\/request-an-appointment.html\">website<\/a> or call (919) 762-6887.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Did you know that October is National Dental Hygiene Month? It\u2019s the perfect time to take a closer look at your oral hygiene practices and make sure that you\u2019re doing everything you can to prevent dental issues. Chances are that there\u2019s at least a little room for improvement in your oral care routine; as such, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-128","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v26.8 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>National Dental Hygiene Month Fuquay-Varina | Langworthy Family Dentistry<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"National Dental Hygiene Month is a time to think about the care you give your smile. 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