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Are You Ready for National Dental Hygiene Month? ADHA is excited to announce that this year we are partnering with Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company, manufacturer of Orbit gum, to celebrate National Dental Hygiene Month (NDHM) in October! This new collaboration will revamp NDHM’s current format by providing information to consumers about oral disease prevention and focusing on community service and the day-to-day efforts of dental hygienists nationwide. The new theme, “Healthy Habits are Easier than You Think,” focuses on maintaining optimal oral health while leading a busy, active lifestyle. Living a life on-the-go can be difficult sometimes, but keeping a healthy mouth shouldn’t be. Prevention is the focal point of this year’s NDHM. ADHA stresses the value of working to increase public awareness about the importance of preventive services in keeping good oral hygiene and to encourage others to develop and continue with a daily oral health routine. There is more to come, so as we approach October, check back with ADHA to stay updated with news and events pertaining to NDHM. There are also PR materials on the Members section of our website, which can be used to promote any event your component or constituent is planning in honor of NDHM. For more information about oral health, click here.
Brushing your teeth for two minutes at least twice a day remains a critical component to maintaining a healthy smile. Studies have shown that brushing for two minutes is perhaps the single most important step an individual can take to reduce plaque build-up and the risk of plaque-associated diseases, such as cavities and gingivitis. For proper brushing techniques click here. GlaxoSmithKline is generously donating up to 100 product samples (sample size Aquafresh toothpaste) per request/project, to be used for Community Service Projects through the month of November. If you would like to request samples for your project, please complete the product request form.
Proper flossing removes plaque and food particles in places where a toothbrush cannot easily reach — under the gumline and between your teeth. Because plaque build-up can lead to tooth decay and gum disease, daily flossing is highly recommended. Let’s face it, getting into a routine of regular flossing is probably the greatest home care challenge for our patients. Studies have revealed that only 16% of 961 periodontal patients followed over an eight-year period, complied with the recommended maintenance schedules. The results of these studies are an excellent example of how different our perceived ideal can be from clinical reality. Any product or technique that can demonstrably make flossing easier will be more likely to make it actually happen! There are many different types of floss (besides waxed or unwaxed) with different thicknesses, filaments, and coatings. They are available at most dental trade shows; try them in your own mouth. If a patient is resistant to flossing, find out why. Explore probable causes of the problem, and suggest several products which might help. For proper flossing instructions please click here.
Rinsing your mouth each day with an anti-microbial mouth rinse is another important step in preventing the gum disease known as gingivitis. Speak with your dental hygienist for more information on which mouth rinse is right for you. To download a Journal of Dental Hygiene supplement on anti-microbial mouth rinses click here.
Chewing sugar-free gum after eating is clinically proven to be an important part of good oral health. It stimulates the most important natural defense against tooth decay - saliva - which, in turn helps fight cavities, neutralize plaque acids, remineralize enamel to strengthen teeth and wash away food particles. Research from around the world has now shown conclusively that chewing sugarfree gum has many oral health benefits. When chewing is incorporated into the daily oral healthcare routine, especially after eating and drinking, it positively affects oral health. Many people don't know about the scientific evidence supporting the use of sugarfree gum, here are the hard facts. Order Orbit samples for your patients today!
About Wrigley Oral Healthcare Programs
Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company Foundation Community Service Grant The Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company Foundation Community Service Grant, in an amount of $5,000 per grantee, will be presented to up to twelve (12) applicants who are involved in a specific community health project. Applicants will need to demonstrate that the project is in harmony with the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) Institute for Oral Health mission and vision. The community service project should demonstrate its capacity to improve the public’s oral health and provide oral health education to underserved populations throughout the United States. The application deadline for the 2011 grant cycle is November 15, 2010. The application must be postmarked or received by the Institute by that date for consideration. The mailing address for the grant competition is listed below: Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company Foundation Community Service Grant All material sent must be typed in either Arial or Times New Roman font at 10 to 12 point size. Only material requested will be allowed. Additional items such as video cassette tapes, brochures and photographs will be discarded and not returned. Recipients will be notified by January 15, 2011. Click here for the community service grants application. About the Wrigley Company Foundation RDHs in Action: Coming Together for Community Oral Health YouTube Contest First Prize: $1,500 For the official YouTube contest rules click here.
NDHM Posters
NDHM Materials For more information about oral health, click here.
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