October is National Dental Hygiene Month

Making a great first impression is essential in your professional and personal relationships. Your physical appearance sends nonverbal messages to potential employers and mates. It is not always fair, but sometimes people judge your character based on superficial attributes. What message are you sending with your smile?

October is National Dental Hygiene Month. Adults and children are encouraged to see their dentists for regular checkups. Visiting the dentist may arouse unpleasant feelings. But avoiding your oral hygiene can lead to serious complications.

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that adults and children visit the dentist every six months. Certain medication, pregnancy and diabetes may be a determining factor in the frequency of your dental checkups. A routine exam usually includes cleaning, gum inspection and x-rays to check for tooth decay and other potential problems. There may be little or no out -of- pocket expense. Most health insurance policies will cover the cost for preventative maintenance.

Some individuals dread going to the dentist and will ignore oral hygiene problems until the pain becomes unbearable. Jodi Fields resides in Burnsville, and shared her recent experience with dental problems. “I avoided going to the dentist because I knew my wisdom teeth had to be pulled. After the pain began interfering with my ability to eat, I knew something had to be done. The procedure wasn't that bad. I had a local anesthetic, and now I can eat without discomfort.”

Cosmetic dental procedures have become popular in recent years. There are many options available for a straighter and whiter smile. Your dentist can transform your smile into the pearly whites that you have always dreamed about.

Teeth whitening (or teeth bleaching) can remove discoloration caused by aging or staining. The procedure can be done in a dental office or at home. The methods administered by a dentist can produce instant, noticeable results. One of the most popular chairside procedures is the Zoom Whitening System. The technique is safe and can make your teeth approximately eight shades whiter.

Crest White Strips may be an option for those who want a whiter smile on a budget. Consumers can purchase the strips at most retail stores. Results will vary and you may need several applications before noticing a difference in the color of your teeth.

Straightening teeth is becoming less obvious and cumbersome for children and adults. Metal braces are no longer the only choice for correcting teeth alignment. Invisalign is an invisible teeth straightening system that offers similar results as metal braces. You can remove the braces during meals and while brushing and flossing. A dentist will need to examine your teeth to determine if invisible or metal braces would be more beneficial.

Taking good care of your teeth can prevent a number of problems. Thoroughly brushing your teeth twice a day will remove plaque and decrease staining. Flossing every day can help prevent gingivitis (gum disease) and remove embarrassing food particles from in between your teeth.

Lightly brushing your tongue can help eliminate odor-causing bacteria and plaque buildup.

A healthy smile can exude confidence and it shows that you care about your physical appearance. Take care of your teeth and smile with pride.