National Dental Hygiene Month
Let’s celebrate you.
In the midst of a global pandemic, the dental hygiene community has come together in extraordinary ways. Voices raised. Hardships endured. And together, we are emerging stronger than ever as essential health care providers.
This October, ADHA is joining forces with Colgate® Oral Pharmaceuticals, Inc. to celebrate your courage in the face of adversity and promote good oral health for NDHM 2020. And to thank you for all that you do.
View more information here
The month of October is most recognized for Halloween costumes and trick-or-treating for bags full of candy. So, it shouldn’t surprise us that October is also recognized as National Dental Hygiene Month! That’s right–an entire month dedicated to promoting healthy mouths, gums, and teeth to allow ourselves to enjoy our well-deserved candy at the end of the month!
WHY NATIONAL DENTAL HYGIENE MONTH IS IMPORTANT
- It encourages oral health
No one likes a dirty mouth, especially when it’s your own. Keeping your oral health on track is a great way to keep bacteria at bay. Without proper dental hygiene, you put yourself at risk of developing issues such as tooth decay and gum disease.
- It celebrates the hard-working hygienists
With over 200,000 dental hygienists in the United States, this holiday is the perfect opportunity to celebrate the work that these fabulous people do to keep our mouths happy and healthy.
- It’s an excuse for a new toothbrush.
Admit it. New toothbrushes are fun — for a while. Most dentists recommend soft bristles, but make sure you check in with your dental professional to see what’s best.
Oral Health Fast Facts
- Oral health is essential to general health and well-being.
- Oral disease can cause pain and infections that may lead to problems with eating, speaking, and learning. It can also affect social interaction and employment potential.
- The three oral conditions that most affect overall health and quality of life are cavities, severe gum disease, and severe tooth loss.
- By age 8, over half of children (52%) have had a cavity in their primary (baby) teeth.
- Low-income children are twice as likely to have cavities as higher-income children.
- 1 in 4 adults aged 20 to 64 currently has cavities.
- Drinking fluoridated water and getting dental sealants (in childhood) prevent cavities and save money by avoiding expensive dental care.
- Tobacco use and diabetes are two risk factors for gum disease.
- On average, 34 million school hours are lost each year because of unplanned (emergency) dental care, and over $45 billion in US productivity is lost each year due to untreated dental disease
- Medical-dental integration between oral health and chronic disease prevention programs benefits patients and saves money
