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​National Dental Hygiene Month

Make sure you keep your teeth healthy this month - brush twice daily and make time for regular dental checkups during National Dental Hygiene Month!
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When it is?
October 1
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Category
Health
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Country
United States
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Founded
Introduction

October is National Dental Hygiene Month, and it's the perfect time to start taking better care of your teeth and gums! This month-long observance has been around since the mid-1980s, when it was first founded as a way to promote awareness of the importance of oral health. It's also a great opportunity for dental professionals to share their knowledge with patients and help them adopt healthy habits that will last a lifetime. So let's make this October extra special by brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting your dentist regularly!

History of ​National Dental Hygiene Month

​National Dental Hygiene Month Timeline

<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1883</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Dental Hygiene School Founded</div><div class='timeline-text'>In Scranton, Pennsylvania, Dr. Alfred Civilion Fones founded the first dental hygiene school, marking the birth of the profession.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1949</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Establishment of National Children's Dental Health Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>The American Dental Association (ADA) established the National Children's Dental Health Day, an initiative aimed at children's oral care education.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1955</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>National Children's Dental Health Week Introduced</div><div class='timeline-text'>Due to the success of National Children's Dental Health Day, it was extended to a week-long celebration by the ADA.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1981</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>National Children's Dental Health Month Launched</div><div class='timeline-text'>The ADA extended the week-long observance to a month, stressing the importance of dental hygiene from an early age.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1985</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First National Dental Hygiene Month</div><div class='timeline-text'>Initiated by the American Dental Hygienists' Association, the first National Dental Hygiene Month was celebrated to raise oral health awareness among adults.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2009</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>"Do The Daily 4" Campaign Launch</div><div class='timeline-text'>The "Do The Daily 4" campaign was launched during National Dental Hygiene Month to promote four key components of oral health: Brushing, Flossing, Rinsing and Chewing.</div></div></div>

How to Celebrate ​National Dental Hygiene Month

<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Check your toothbrush</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Make sure your toothbrush is in good working condition. Replace it every three to four months, or sooner if the bristles become frayed.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Visit the dentist</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Schedule a dental checkup to have your teeth examined and cleaned twice a year. It's also a good time to ask your dentist questions about oral hygiene or any dental problems you may have.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Floss daily</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Brushing is only part of the equation when it comes to keeping your teeth clean and healthy. Flossing helps remove plaque and food particles that brushing alone can't reach.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Drink more water</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Drinking fluoridated water helps to reduce cavities and tooth decay, so make sure you're getting enough throughout the day.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Eat healthy snacks</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Healthy snacks like vegetables, fruits and cheese are good for your teeth, while sugary and starchy snacks should be avoided as much as possible.</p></div></div>

Why ​National Dental Hygiene Month is Important

<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Preventive dental care is important</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Regular brushing and flossing can help keep your teeth healthy and prevent cavities, gum disease and other dental problems. National Dental Hygiene Month serves as a reminder to practice good oral hygiene habits at home so you can maintain optimal dental health over time.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Dental visits are essential</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>No matter how diligent you are with your oral care routine at home, it's important to visit the dentist for regular checkups. These visits can help catch any dental issues early on and provide treatment if needed. Plus, your dentist can give you advice for proper oral hygiene and provide personalized recommendations to help you maintain good oral health.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Good dental care benefits overall health</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Proper oral hygiene goes beyond just having a great smile - it can actually have an impact on your overall health. Poor dental hygiene has been linked to a variety of medical conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes and respiratory illnesses. So practicing good oral hygiene is not only beneficial for your teeth, but also for your well-being!</p></div></div>

5 Refreshing Facts for Dental Hygiene Month

​National Dental Hygiene Month FAQs

When is ​National Dental Hygiene Month?

National Dental Hygiene Month is celebrated on October 1 every year. In 2024, National Dental Hygiene Month will occur on a Tuesday.

​National Dental Hygiene Month Dates

Year
Date
Day

2023

Oct 1

Sunday

2024

Oct 1

Tuesday

2025

Oct 1

Wednesday

2026

Oct 1

Thursday

2027

Oct 1

Friday

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