The month of October is designated National Dental Hygiene Month to help promote the importance of good oral health habits.

Take a look at four key elements for maintaining good oral health.

• When it comes to brushing, remember the number two. Brushing twice a day, for two minutes each time can help prevent problems like cavities and gingivitis.
• Flossing teeth once a day is recommended to help remove food particles that a toothbrush can’t reach. Gum disease starts at the gum line and between the teeth, so it’s important to use the proper flossing technique to remove all particles.
• Rinse. Brushing and flossing alone cannot rid the mouth of bacteria. Be sure to rinse with a mouthwash twice a day. This will help clean the entire mouth and keep breath fresh.
• Chew. Chewing sugar-free gum can help increase the amount of salvia in the mouth, which in turn, can help flush out food particles and neutralize biofilm acids on the teeth.

For additional information on what you can do to help protect your teeth, talk to your dental hygienist or dentist today.

VBA dental plans are administered and underwritten by TruAssure and are offered in association with the DenteMax Plus dental network arrangement, which includes participating dentists from the United Concordia, DenteMax and Connection dental networks in all states but North Carolina, where the DenteMax Plus network arrangement includes DenteMax and Connection dental networks.

All TruAssure dental plans are offered in association with the DenteMax Plus dental network arrangement, which includes dentists from the following dental networks: United Concordia, DenteMax and GEHA Connection Dental Network.