October is National Dental Hygiene Month, a time to celebrate the hard work of dental hygienists, as well as focus on the importance of keeping teeth strong and healthy. Good dental hygiene habits like daily brushing and flossing — and visiting your dentist’s office for routine cleanings and exams — can reduce your risk of developing tooth decay and lead to a lifetime of healthy smiles.

What does a dental hygienist do?

We may automatically think of our dentist when we consider our professional dental care, yet dental hygienists play an important role in caring for teeth and gums. As licensed dental professionals, dental hygienists work closely with dentists to provide preventive dental care to patients. In addition to cleaning teeth and examining the mouth and gums for signs of disease, including tooth decay, dental hygienists educate patients about the importance of maintaining good oral health habits.

How to prevent tooth decay with preventive dentistry

Tooth decay occurs when plaque on our teeth combines with bacteria in our mouth. This can result in the breakdown of tooth enamel, leading to cavities. While tooth decay affects millions of people,¹ the good news is that it’s preventable. Visiting your dentist’s office every six months is one of the best steps you can take to keep your mouth healthy. As well as performing a dental exam and teeth cleaning, here’s what else your dental team does to help prevent tooth decay:

Reviews your health history
Takes dental X-rays
Removes plaque from the surface of teeth
Applies sealants and fluoride treatments to teeth to help prevent decay and minimize the risk of cavities
Demonstrates the correct way to brush and floss at home

In addition to the steps above, it’s important to alert your dentist or dental hygienist to any tooth infection symptoms like tooth pain or bleeding gums, which may indicate common dental problems. This can also help your dental team detect a more serious dental disease when it’s in the early stages and may be easier and less expensive to treat. Keep in mind that if you have dental insurance, some preventive dental care services like cleanings, exams and X-rays may be covered at no cost to you.

How to prevent tooth decay at home

Brushing your teeth with a fluoride toothpaste in the morning, at night and after meals can help reduce your chances of tooth decay. The American Dental Association recommends choosing a soft bristle toothbrush that fits your mouth. And some people prefer an electric toothbrush versus a manual toothbrush. Learn more about each type of toothbrush here.

Floss your teeth daily
Rinse with mouthwash
Avoid sticky, sugary food and drinks and focus on these best foods for healthy teeth and gums
Schedule preventive dental care visits with your dentist’s office twice a year

Being proactive about your dental health can help prevent tooth decay and keep you smiling for years to come. The CareCredit credit card is an easy way to pay for dental treatments that may not be covered by insurance, like fillings, sealants, crowns and veneers.* Use the Acceptance Locator or download the CareCredit Mobile App to find a nearby dentist who accepts the CareCredit credit card.