West Coast Based Dental Hygienist, Angela Watkins, RDH, Shares Insights on Maintaining Oral Health During Dental Hygiene Month

LONG BEACH, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--In celebration of Dental Hygiene Month, Angela Watkins, a West Coast based dental hygienist, offers valuable insights into maintaining oral health. As the month brings a spotlight on dental hygiene, Watkins highlights the importance of proactive oral care practices.

"Good oral health is an integral part of our overall well-being. As we observe Dental Hygiene Month, it's a perfect time to focus on our dental care routines and ensure our smiles are as healthy as they can be," notes Watkins.

Watkins recommends several key steps to promote oral health during Dental Hygiene Month:

Combat Mouth Breathing: Fall and winter are known as cold and flu season, often resulting in nasal congestion and mouth breathing. Mouth breathing can lead to a dry oral cavity, creating an ideal environment for harmful bacteria that cause tooth decay. To combat this, avoid tobacco, stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water, and consider using dentist-formulated sugar-free Dry Mouth Lozenges by TheraBreath. These lozenges stimulate saliva production and contain xylitol, a proven inhibitor of bacteria implicated in tooth decay.

Schedule a Dental Checkup: As the year draws to a close, it's important to schedule a dental checkup. Dental offices tend to be fully booked in December, and postponing appointments can put individuals at risk of requiring urgent care during the holiday season. Timely checkups are essential to maintaining optimal oral health.

Understanding the Mouth-Body Connection: The crucial connection between oral health and overall well-being cannot be understated. Harmful bacteria in the mouth can travel through the entire body, even reaching vital organs. This Dental Hygiene Month, it's essential to be proactive and practice good oral hygiene. This includes brushing thoroughly twice a day, daily flossing, and using an anticavity oral rinse. Consider using TheraBreath's Anticavity Oral Rinse in Sparkling Mint as it is fluoride-infused to help fight cavities for 24 hours, strengthen teeth and enamel, and reverse early tooth decay when used as directed.

Smart Indulgence: While enjoying holiday sweets and treats is a tradition, it's advised to be mindful of your choices. To protect tooth enamel, it's best to limit sugary and acidic foods. Instead of constant snacking, indulge in treats during mealtimes. Using a quality fluoridated toothpaste, like Arm & Hammer Enamel Defense toothpaste, can help protect enamel against acid challenges.

"During Dental Hygiene Month, let's recognize that good oral health is not only about a beautiful smile, but also a vital aspect of our overall health. Be proactive, prioritize your oral care, and ensure that your smile is radiant and healthy," says Watkins.

About Angela Watkins, RDH:

Angela was voted Student of the Year by the alumni association at Loma Linda University where she graduated in 2011 with a BS in Dental Hygiene. While in hygiene school, Angela also won first place for student research at the California Dental Association annual dental convention with her work focusing on the effects of xylitol against oral bacteria. She is a firm believer in the connection between dental health and overall health, and she is dedicated to staying current with the latest advances in dental hygiene. Angela's goal as a hygienist is to provide the best care possible while making patients feel comfortable and educating them on the treatment and prevention of disease. Outside of hygiene, Angela also utilizes her BS in Business Management, consulting for various organizations.