Celebrate Dental Hygiene Month in Commack, NY

woman practicing good dental hygiene with a toothbrush and toothpaste

Every October, the dental profession takes time to celebrate the accomplishments of dental hygienists during Dental Hygiene Month. This is a great opportunity for you and your family to catch up on teeth cleanings, and regular exams, and to institute a dental health regimen that will help you and your family keep your teeth and gums in top shape. At Bonnie Helfner, DDS, we celebrate Dental Hygiene Month with appointments that can help you and your family members achieve brighter smiles and healthier teeth. Our dental hygienists have the experience and knowledge you need to create the best possible solutions for your preventive dental care needs.

How to Celebrate Dental Hygiene Month

The dentists and hygienists at Bonnie Helfner, DDS offer practical help in maintaining the health of your teeth and gums with regular check-ups and dental cleanings that will keep your teeth looking their best. Making an appointment with our team in Commack, NY will allow you to manage your dental care much more effectively and will allow you to celebrate Dental Hygiene Month this October. We work with you to make sure that your teeth and gums are as healthy as possible throughout your life, which can allow you to retain your own natural teeth much longer and can reduce discomfort caused by tooth decay and other dental issues.

The Role of Dental Hygienists

Dental hygienists undergo training to perform teeth cleaning and other procedures for you and your family. Your dental hygienist can perform initial examinations, offer preventive care and advice, and can put you and your family members at ease throughout your visit to Bonnie Helfner, DDS. Dental hygienists are at the forefront of dental care and can ensure the best health for your teeth and gums after every visit to our office.

Your dental hygienist also provides assistance to our dentists during complex procedures that require additional hands to complete. At Bonnie Helfner, DDS, we rely on our dental hygienist team to provide the best care for our patients. Our dental team specializes in helping you feel comfortable and relaxed throughout your visit with us.

Why Teeth Cleaning Is So Important

The food you eat and beverages you drink can deposit tiny particles in your mouth. The bacteria that naturally live in your mouth feed on these particles, especially after you consume sugary or starchy foods. If not removed promptly and completely by brushing and flossing, these bacteria along with food debris can create a sticky substance called plaque. If plaque remains on or between teeth for an extended period of time, it can harden into a substance called calculus or tartar.

The presence of plaque and tartar on teeth can cause irritation of the gums, which is one of the contributing factors in the development of gum disease. This serious dental condition can cause the loosening of the teeth, the breakdown of interior structural tissue in the jaw, and even the loss of permanent teeth. Good dental hygiene and twice-yearly teeth cleaning appointments are among the most effective methods for removing plaque and tartar and preventing the serious effects of gum disease on your teeth.

Regular teeth cleaning with our dental hygienists in Commack, NY can also keep your teeth looking their best. Dental cleanings freshen your breath to help you feel more confident in social situations. By scheduling regular cleanings with the team at Bonnie Helfner, DDS, you can enjoy the benefits of clean and healthy teeth now and in the future.

How to Care for Your Teeth at Home

Between visits to Bonnie Helfner, DDS, you can practice good dental habits at home by following a simple four-step process:

  • Brush: Brushing your teeth the right way will remove the majority of plaque and bacteria from your teeth. Dental experts recommend using a 45-degree angle when brushing your teeth and making sure to brush all surfaces of your teeth, including front, back, top and bottom. You should also brush your tongue gently to dislodge any bacteria and allow them to be rinsed away along with any particles of food that may remain in your mouth after brushing. Always use fluoride toothpaste or one recommended specifically for you by the dentists at Bonnie Helfner, DDS.
  • Floss: Flossing after each meal or at least twice a day can allow you to eliminate much of the plaque that can collect between your teeth. This can reduce your chances of developing gum disease and can ensure the best health for your teeth and gums. We usually recommend waxed floss to reduce the chance of snagging the rough edges of delicate teeth. In some cases, the dentists and dental hygienists at Commack, NY may recommend a specific floss or toothpaste to suit the needs of your teeth.
  • Rinse: After flossing and brushing, it is important to rinse your mouth thoroughly with water or with mouthwash. Using a fluoride mouthwash can allow you to strengthen your teeth and can freshen your breath for hours after brushing and flossing your teeth.
  • Chew: Between meals and brushing, chewing sugar-free gum may be a good way to increase saliva production to rinse away some plaque and bacteria from teeth and gums. Your dentist will let you know if this is a practical option for managing plaque buildup between meals and brushing opportunities.

These four habits can allow you to maintain healthier teeth and gums throughout your life. By encouraging your family members to maintain good dental hygiene, you can enjoy healthier smiles for a lifetime of greater confidence in your interactions with others.

Celebrate Dental Hygiene Month With Us

If you are looking for teeth cleaning and other dental hygiene services in Commack, NY, our office can provide you with the services you need to keep your teeth healthy and strong. Call Bonnie Helfner, DDS today at 631-247-0977 to schedule a teeth cleaning appointment for each member of your family and to celebrate Dental Hygiene Month with us. We look forward to the opportunity to serve you.

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Monday:

9:30 am-7:00 pm

Tuesday:

9:00 am-6:30 pm

Wednesday:

9:30 am-6:30 pm

Thursday:

9:30 am-7:00 pm

Friday:

8:30 am-2:00 pm

Saturday:

8:30 am-2:00 pm

Sunday:

Closed