It may be National Dental Health Month only in the Philippines but the rest of us can follow the recommendations of the Philippine Dental Association (PDA), which says maintaining a good track record of dental hygiene makes our teeth healthier and our smile prettier but it also protects the entire body from life-threatening medical conditions such as diabetes and heart disease.

The association first devoted a month to dental hygiene five years ago.  This year’s festivities end March 5 but following the dental care guidelines described by PDA president, Dr. Leo Gerald de Castro, provides optimum protection all year long.

Children and adults alike benefit from remembering these simple steps to the best dental hygiene:

1. Brush your teeth holding your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle from your teeth.
2. Brush at least three minutes each time, devoting half of that time to one side of your mouth and then the other.
3. Brush three times a day, in circles instead of up-and-down jabs.
4. Flossing is even more important than brushing so remember to do it every day, too.

Effective dental care leaves the teeth, mouth, and breath as fresh and clean as possible and keeps them healthiest.  The effects of good dental hygiene don’t stop there, though.
De Castro says the plaque that develops on neglected teeth irritates the gum, which makes it possible for that plaque to enter the bloodstream and clog arteries, inviting cardiovascular disease.  Poor dental care can also lead to diabetes, he says.

Hormonal changes make women more susceptible to gingivitis during pregnancy so de Castro urges all pregnant women to be vigilant maintaining optimum dental health during this critical time, for the health of both mother and baby.