This October, the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) and the Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company are partnering for the fifth consecutive year to help raise public awareness about good oral health during National Dental Hygiene Month (NDHM).(1) NDHM in 2014 continues to highlight the four components of optimal oral health maintenance: brushing teeth twice daily, flossing every day, rinsing with mouthwash, and chewing sugar-free gum. The campaign demonstrates how the ADHA and Wrigley — the makers of Orbit sugar-free gum — continue to pursue methods to improve public awareness about improving the nation’s oral health-care behaviors.
NDHM 2014 will feature a national radio media tour highlighting the importance of proper dental hygiene with Kelli Swanson Jaecks, MA, RDH, who is the president of the ADHA. Also, the Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company Foundation, in cooperation with the ADHA Institute for Oral Health (IOH), is donating community service grants of $2,500 or $5,000 to applicants involved in projects designed to improve the community’s oral health. The application deadline is October 1, 2014.(2)
Register for the free Orbit Sugarfree Gum Dental Office Sample Kit Program.(3) Chewing sugarfree gum such as like Orbit is an important part of a healthy oral care routine. Chewing gum for 20 minutes after eating or drinking stimulates saliva production by 10 times the normal rate. This neutralizes acids and can help repair early tooth decay. Register to receive free educational materials and Orbit samples.
Tooth Wisdom offers numerous resources for older adults. They offer Toothbrushing Tips for Caregivers, and much more. (4) ADHA has partnered with the Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health for Text2Floss. It is a one-week interactive educational tool meant to help people develop positive oral hygiene habits through the use of mobile technology.
This October, and throughout the year, volunteer in your community to increase awareness of oral health, and its relation to general health. Visit the ADHA website for numerous resources to help in your efforts.(1) Help promote and improve oral health during National Dental Hygiene Month!
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