National Dental Hygiene Month Just Keeps Getting Better! Are You Ready to Celebrate this October?

Once again this year ADHA is thrilled to announce that we are partnering with Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company, manufacturer of Orbit gum, to celebrate National Dental Hygiene Month (NDHM) in October!

This year’s collaboration will continue to improve on last year’s new NDHM format by providing even more focus on consumer information about oral disease prevention, focusing on community service and the day-to-day efforts of dental hygienists nationwide.

The new theme, “It’s simple. Healthy habits for a healthy smile,” continues to stress easy ways that our patients can incorporate a simple oral health regimen into an active and busy life in order to maintain optimal oral health.

Through the NDHM program ADHA continues to stress increasing the public’s awareness about the importance of preventive services in maintaining good oral hygiene and to encourage others to develop and continue with a daily oral health routine.

There is more to come, so as we approach October, check back with ADHA to stay updated with news and events pertaining to NDHM. There are also PR materials available in the constituent and component resource center at www.adha.org which can be used to promote any state or local event that you may be planning in honor of NDHM.

For more information about oral health, click here.

Brushing your teeth for two minutes at least twice a day remains a critical component to maintaining a healthy smile. Studies have shown that brushing for two minutes is perhaps the single most important step an individual can take to reduce plaque build-up and the risk of plaque-associated diseases, such as cavities and gingivitis.

Proper brushing is essential for cleaning teeth and gums effectively. Read on for more educational information and resources:

Proper Brushing Technique

Advice on Brushing, Flossing, and Rinsing

Counsel and Educate Your Patients on the Brush, Floss, and Rinse Routine

Tips for Engaging Kids Early in Oral Care

Patient Education Tear Pad

Proper flossing or interdental cleaning removes plaque and food particles in places where a toothbrush cannot easily reach — under the gumline and between your teeth. Because plaque build-up can lead to tooth decay and gum disease, daily flossing is highly recommended.

Let’s face it, getting into a routine of regular flossing is probably the greatest home care challenge for our patients. Studies have revealed that only 16% of 961 periodontal patients followed over an eight-year period, complied with the recommended maintenance schedules. The results of these studies are an excellent example of how different our perceived ideal can be from clinical reality. Any product or technique that can demonstrably make flossing easier will be more likely to make it actually happen! There are many different types of floss (besides waxed or unwaxed) with different thicknesses, filaments, and coatings. They are available at most dental trade shows; try them in your own mouth. If a patient is resistant to flossing, find out why. Explore probable causes of the problem, and suggest several products which might help.

Flossing is an essential part of the tooth-cleaning process because it removes plaque from between teeth and at the gumline, where periodontal disease often begins. Read on for more educational information and resources:

Proper Flossing Instructions

Advice on Brushing, Flossing, and Rinsing

Counsel and Educate Your Patients on the Brush, Floss, and Rinse Routine

Tips for Engaging Kids Early in Oral Care

Patient Education Tear Pad

Flossology

Rinsing your mouth each day with an anti-microbial mouth rinse is another important step in preventing the gum disease known as gingivitis. Speak with your dental hygienist for more information on which mouth rinse is right for you.

Brushing and flossing disrupt plaque on the teeth and gums, but teeth make up only less than half of your mouth. To kill plaque and gingivitis germs that brushing leaves behind, be sure to finish your oral care routine with an antiseptic mouthwash with the ADA Seal of Acceptance. Read on for more educational information and resources:

To download a Journal of Dental Hygiene supplement on anti-microbial mouth rinses click here.
To take the online continuing education course for the supplement click here. 

Finally, a Fun Way to Get Kids to Use a Fluoride Rinse

Rinse: Do It For Your Mouth. Do It For Life.

Advice on Brushing, Flossing, and Rinsing

Chewing sugar-free gum after eating is clinically proven to be an important part of good oral health. It stimulates the most important natural defense against tooth decay - saliva - which, in turn helps fight cavities, neutralize plaque acids, remineralize enamel to strengthen teeth and wash away food particles.

Research from around the world has now shown conclusively that chewing sugarfree gum has many oral health benefits. When chewing is incorporated into the daily oral healthcare routine, especially after eating and drinking, it positively affects oral health.

Many people don't know about the scientific evidence supporting the use of sugarfree gum, here are the hard facts.

Other Resources from the Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company

A Clinical Overview of Sugarfree Gum.
Journal of Dental Research: “Effect of after-meal sugarfree gum chewing on caries.”
Contemporary Oral Hygiene: “Sugarfree Chewing Gums and Caries Prevention.”
Dentistry Today: “Saliva, chewing gum, and Oral Health.”
JADA: “The Effect of Chewing Sugarfree Gum After Meals on Clinical Caries Incidence.”
Learn about drymouth.info
Patient pamphlet on dry mouth.
Patient pamphlet on saliva stimulation.

To download a JADA supplement on the Effect of Saliva on Dental Caries click here.
To take the online continuing education course for the supplement click here. 

About Wrigley Oral Healthcare Programs
For more than 25 years, Wrigley Oral Healthcare programs have supported independent, clinical research into the benefits of chewing gum including saliva stimulation, plaque acid neutralization, and tooth strengthening to help oral care professionals and their patients understand the role of sugar-free gum as a convenient tool for everyday oral care. Today, Wrigley operates oral healthcare programs in 47 countries worldwide. Visit www.wrigleydentalcare.com for more information.

Sample Center – SOLD OUT!

WOW! Gone within 8 hours!! 1,200,000 pieces of gum!

Thanks Wrigley!!

The deadline for Wrigley Grants has passed. Thanks for your interest in helping to improve oral health in your community.”

About the Wrigley Company Foundation 
The Wrigley Company has a rich history of giving back to the communities where we live and work. Established in 1987 to formalize the giving of grants and donations, the Wrigley Company Foundation has distributed more than $50 million to non-profit organizations around the world. Wrigley is and will continue to be active in local communities and partner with those organizations that can help make a difference. Wrigley provides support not only with financial resources, but with the care and compassion of their 16,000 associates who have a passion for service and are provided opportunities throughout the year to exhibit their generous spirit.

NDHM Posters
2011 NDHM Poster 11x17 
2011 NDHM Poster 85x11
2010 NDHM Poster 11x17 
2010 NDHM Poster5x11
2008 NDHM Poster 11x17
2008 NDHM Poster 5x11

NDHM Materials
Child Oral Health Fact Sheet
Adolescent Oral Health Fact Sheet
Adult Oral Health
Senior Oral Health
Premature Birth Fact Sheet

For more information about oral health, click here.