We hope you enjoyed your 4th of July. July happens to be full of other fun and meaningful days to commemorate. Here are just a few:
July 7 Father-Daughter Take a Walk Day
July 18 Get to Know Your Customers Day
July 22 Global Hug Your Kid Day
July 24 International Self Care Day
July 30 International Day of Friendship
From our office here at Dr. Bracker’s in Rochester, NY we’d like to bring special attention to July 24th, International Self Care Day. International Self-Care Day was started by the International Self-Care Foundation in 2011. It is always observed on July 24th or 24/7 as a reminder that the benefits of self-care are life-long, experienced 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The objective of International Self-Care Day is to celebrate the importance of self-care and to encourage the general public to practice responsible self-care.
Oral hygiene care is a vital part of everyone’s self-care. You can use this day to help educate children on the importance of taking care of their teeth. Give them a special reward for doing a good job on taking care of their teeth this month such as a special outing, picnic, pool party, etc.
Here are some key points to educate them on:
Floss. It is best to floss before you brush your teeth. Flossing dislodges food wedged between your teeth. But also regular flossing may also reduce gum disease and bad breath by removing plaque that forms along the gum line.
Brush at least twice a day. Brush at least in the morning and before bedtime. Take your time and brush for two minutes.
Use a good tooth brush. You want to use a soft-bristle tooth brush. But as toothbrushes wear and the bristles can become frayed and worn and therefore may lose their effectiveness. We recommend changing your toothbrush out every three months.
Regular Dental Appointments Are Important
We recommend everyone get professional teeth cleaning at least twice a year. Many dental insurance policies will cover two cleanings per year, but few people take full advantage of their benefits. However, if you or your child experiences any of the following symptoms schedule to see your dentist as soon as possible.
- Red, tender or swollen gums
- Gums that bleed when you brush or floss
- Gums that begin pulling away from your teeth
- Loose permanent teeth
- Unusual sensitivity to hot and cold
- Persistent bad breath or an unusual taste in your mouth
- Painful chewing
If you need to schedule your regular professional teeth cleaning or have any of the symptoms above, please contact us and we'll get you scheduled.
Sincerely,
Dr. Susan Bracker DDS