MATTAWA - Celebrating National Dental Hygiene Month, Columbia Basin Health Association Dental Director Dr. Alvin Thien urges parents to teach their children to brush their teeth at an early age.

"Tooth brushing is the basis for good oral hygiene, and we want our kids to learn early on how to do it properly," he said.

The American Dental Association has chosen the month of October to raise awareness that good oral health plays an important role in the overall good health of our body.

"Hygienists play an important role in CBHA's dental care," Thien said. "We recommend that our patients have their teeth cleaned twice a year."

Children should also have their teeth examined by a dentist two times a year. The American Dental Hygienists Association (ADHA) continues to highlight four important components of good oral health: brushing teeth twice daily, flossing every day, rinsing with mouthwash and chewing sugar free gum.

Research shows brushing teeth for two minutes is the single most important step for reducing dental plaque and preventing cavities, gingivitis and other plaque-related problems. Playing a favorite song on your phone or other devise will help the time go by quickly.

"Make flossing a daily habit," Thien said. "Flossing at least once a day complements the act of brushing because the flossing thread removes plaque and food particles between teeth where a toothbrush cannot reach."

Use mouthwash to improve your oral health. Be sure to use alcohol-free mouthwash. Alcohol is a drying agent which can drain the mouth of saliva needed to fight cavity-causing bacteria.

Chew sugar-free gum. Research has shown that chewing sugar-free gum, especially after eating and drinking has a positive impact on oral health.

Thien finds it interesting that National Dental Hygiene Month falls in October which is also when children go trick-or-treating.

"Our kids bring home lots of candy and can't wait to dive into it," he said. "It is our job as parents to limit the amount they eat every day and have them brush afterwards."