October is National Dental Hygiene Month, a smile-worthy month created by the American Dental Hygienists Association (ADHA) in 2009. It’s dedicated to celebrating all the incredible hard work dental hygienists do, while highlighting the importance of good oral hygiene and oral health access for all. As a brand built around dental hygiene, holistic oral health, and community, we’re so excited to celebrate National Dental Hygiene Month at Davids!

There are over 214,000 dental hygienists in the United States alone, and lucky for us, that number is expected to grow in the coming years. In honor of everything they do for us and our oral + overall health, let’s dive into the incredible importance of dental hygiene.

why is dental hygiene important?

You’ve probably heard us talk about the importance of dental hygiene and how its benefits extend far beyond the mouth, but let’s brush up on a few key points. Dental hygiene plays a crucial role in…

• prevention: this is one of the most important aspects of oral care! A solid, holistic oral hygiene routine can prevent bad breath, gum disease, dental complications, and so much more. Prevention is the best approach because it can save you pain, cost, and complications in the long run. Don’t worry, we’ll cover our favorite oral hygiene routine at the end of this article. Pair that with routine dental visits, and you’ve got an amazing recipe for long-term oral health.
• overall health: poor oral hygiene can lead to more than just oral complications. It’s linked to health issues such as heart disease, diabetes, metabolic disorders, gut dysbiosis, stroke, respiratory problems, and more.
• essential functions: dental hygiene has the power to impact your comfort level when eating, drinking, and talking. If you’ve ever had a sensitive tooth, you know exactly what we mean! From sensitivity to bleeding gums, your oral hygiene routine can prevent discomfort and support essential daily functions (like chewing and swallowing) that so many of us take for granted.
• emotional well-being: our smile plays a huge role in our emotional health, self-confidence, and ability to socialize. On top of this, oral health issues can affect your gut health which can alter your hormones and brain chemistry. This can directly impact your mental health!

Now that we’ve covered why hygiene is so important, let’s explore (and celebrate) the essential role of a dental hygienist!

what do dental hygienists do?

It’s common to experience some anxiety when visiting a dentist or dental hygienist. Their sharp tools can feel a bit intimidating, but we’re here to assure you that their work is so important! In honor of National Dental Hygiene Month, let’s dive into what dental hygienists do, and how it benefits you!

• review your health history: this can include gum health, previous fillings, oral care complications, and health history outside the mouth. For example, if you have a history of cardiovascular issues in your family, your hygienist and dentist might flag it and discuss it with you. As we mentioned, gum disease correlates with heart disease.
• deep clean your teeth: when plaque (bacteria-filled goo) hardens into tartar, it must be removed by a dental hygienist. They use special tools to safely scrape away tartar buildup without damaging your teeth or gums. They are extremely skilled at cleaning those hard-to-reach places of your mouth, such as your molars, the backs of your teeth, between your teeth, and the spots where your teeth meet your gum line.
• take dental X-rays: these images can reveal tooth decay, bone damage, cysts, tumors, and more! Your dental hygienist will take x-rays as needed based on your history, and your dentist will analyze them to recommend any treatment plans.
• offer recommendations: with help from the dentist, your hygienist can recommend products, tips, and tricks to elevate your oral hygiene routine.
• educate: hygienists who are passionate about holistic oral care can educate you on the role your mouth plays in your overall health. As mentioned above, so many diseases and complications start in the mouth, and signs like inflammation, gum disease, recurring enamel damage, and more can all reveal something about the bigger picture.

Even (or especially) if it’s been a while since your last dental cleaning, take this as a sign to schedule one! It might feel intimidating, but your dental hygienist wants the best for you and your oral health.

our favorite oral hygiene routine

Celebrate National Dental Hygiene Month by upgrading your oral hygiene routine with our premium products for a healthy mouth + healthy you.

• brush twice daily with Davids: we have an incredible lineup of natural toothpaste, including mint hydroxyapatite toothpaste, orange vanilla hydroxyapatite toothpaste, strawberry watermelon toothpaste, and citrus peppermint. No matter what your flavor preference, we have a formula for you (and your little ones)! If you experience sensitivity, we highly recommend one of our hydroxyapatite formulas, as the nanoparticles work to remineralize weakened areas of the enamel for long-term comfort and health. Oh, and we recommend using our bamboo toothbrush for the sake of your teeth and the planet, and be sure to replace it (at least) every three months!
• floss daily with our hydroxyapatite floss: our expanding floss contains hydroxyapatite and xylitol to deliver essential minerals, remove plaque, and dislodge debris in the tight crevices of your mouth. Flossing is essential for oral hygiene, so don’t gloss over the floss!
• tongue scrape daily with our stainless steel tongue scraper: what better way to fight the countless bacteria that thrive on the cushy surface of your tongue? If you’re not tongue scraping, you could miss out on the cleanest clean you’ve ever felt!
• add a hydroxyapatite mouthwash: if you want to further elevate your oral hygiene routine, add a mineral mouthwash to nurture your enamel. Make sure it’s alcohol and peroxide-free for a gentle, effective clean.

Do these things consistently, and your dental hygienist will thank you. On that note, in honor of National Dental Hygiene Month, we invite you to schedule a cleaning and checkup appointment with your dentist and stock up on your favorite Davids products!

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