December is Hand Washing Awareness Month! While most of us know hand washing is essential for staying healthy, did you know it also plays a key role in protecting your oral health? At Norco Family Dental, we highlight how something as simple as washing your hands can prevent oral infections and keep your smile healthy.
How Dirty Hands Affect Your Oral Health
Think about how often your hands touch your mouth throughout the day. From snacking to absentmindedly resting your chin in your palm, we're often touching our faces. Germs on your hands can easily transfer to your mouth and lead to bacterial buildup and potential infections. This can lead to problems like:
- Oral Infections — Germs can cause irritation, infections, or even painful sores in the mouth.
- Gum Disease — Bacteria transferred from your hands can worsen plaque buildup and increase your risk of gum inflammation and disease.
- Tooth Decay — Bacteria left behind in your mouth can fuel cavity-causing plaque, especially when combined with poor brushing habits.
Why Does Proper Hand-Washing Matter?
Hand-washing is one of the simplest, most effective ways to stop the spread of harmful bacteria. To reduce the risk of oral infections, make sure you’re washing your hands:
- Before brushing or flossing your teeth
- Before meals or snacks
- After touching shared surfaces like doorknobs or keyboards
Proper hand washing takes at least 20 seconds. A fun tip is that it’s long enough to hum the “Happy Birthday” song twice! Use warm water and soap, and scrub thoroughly between your fingers, under your nails, and across your palms.
A Clean Routine for a Healthy Smile
Good hygiene goes hand-in-hand (pun intended!) with oral health. Alongside regular hand washing, make sure to brush twice a day, floss daily, and avoid putting unwashed hands near your mouth.
Schedule Your Dental Exam and Cleaning in Greeley, CO
Norco Family Dental is here to help you protect your smile, inside and out. This December, we encourage you to keep your hands clean and your oral health radiant. Please call us today to schedule your next visit!
We welcome patients of all ages from Greeley, Garden City, Evans, Auburn, Lucerne, and beyond.