10/29/2026
🦷 October is National Dental Hygiene Month, so we're sharing a few things our dental hygienists wish more patients knew!
Some of these might surprise you. 👀
1️⃣ Those numbers we call out actually mean something.
"3… 2… 3… 4…" Your hygienist is measuring the pocket between your gums and each tooth, in millimeters. 1–3 mm is generally healthy. 4 mm or more can be an early sign of gum disease, which the CDC found affects nearly half of U.S. adults over 30. Ask us what your numbers are!
2️⃣ Floss first, then brush.
Research in the Journal of Periodontology suggests flossing before brushing removes more plaque between teeth and helps fluoride reach those spots. Technique matters too: curve the floss into a C-shape around each tooth instead of snapping it down onto your gums.
3️⃣ Spit, don't rinse… and save the mouthwash for later.
After brushing with fluoride toothpaste, spit out the extra but skip the water rinse. Using mouthwash right after brushing washes away fluoride the same way. Use it at a different time of day instead, like after lunch.
4️⃣ How often you snack matters, not just what you eat.
Every time you eat or sip something sugary, mouth bacteria make acids that attack your enamel for up to 20 minutes. Sipping a sweet coffee all morning keeps resetting that clock. Have treats with meals, and try sugar-free gum for 20 minutes after eating. The ADA says it's clinically shown to help prevent decay.
5️⃣ Tell us about every medication you take, even over-the-counter ones.
More than 400 medications can cause dry mouth, including common allergy meds, decongestants and blood pressure medications. Saliva is your mouth's built-in defense against cavities, so when it drops, your risk goes up. If we know, we can help.
✨ Sometimes the smallest changes make the biggest difference.
Happy National Dental Hygiene Month from your friends at Progressive Dental! 🪥🧡
