National Dental Hygiene Month 2026: 5 Things Everyone Should Know

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October is National Dental Hygiene Month, an annual observance dedicated to recognizing dental hygienists and reminding people about the importance of maintaining good oral health. In 2026, the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) is celebrating with the theme “The Power of Us,” emphasizing the impact that dental hygienists, patients and the broader oral-health community can have when they work together. But National Dental Hygiene Month isn't just about celebrating dental professionals. It's also an opportunity to take a closer look at your own oral-health habits. Here are five important things to know about National Dental Hygiene Month 2026.

Here are five important ways weight and metabolic health can affect your mouth—and what you should know:

1. October Is a Time to Recognize Dental Hygienists

Dental hygienists play an important role in preventive dental care. During a typical hygiene appointment, they may clean teeth, assess the condition of the gums, educate patients about home care and identify areas that may need additional attention.

National Dental Hygiene Month provides an opportunity to recognize the work dental hygienists do every day to help patients maintain healthier teeth and gums.

The ADHA's 2026 campaign focuses on four areas: prevention, career, voice and patients, reflecting the many ways dental hygienists contribute to oral health and the dental profession.

2. Prevention Is One of the Most Important Parts of Dental Care

One of the biggest messages behind dental hygiene is simple: prevention matters.

Regular brushing, cleaning between your teeth and professional dental care can help reduce your risk of common oral-health problems, including tooth decay and gum disease.

The American Dental Association recommends brushing twice a day for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste. Cleaning between the teeth is also an important part of maintaining oral health.

A good routine at home, combined with professional dental care, can make it easier to identify and address problems before they become more complicated.

3. Your Daily Routine Matters Between Dental Visits

A dental cleaning every few months is important, but what you do at home between appointments matters, too.

A basic oral-hygiene routine should include:

  • Brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
  • Cleaning between your teeth regularly.
  • Following the personalized recommendations provided by your dental team.
  • Limiting habits that can contribute to tooth decay or gum problems.
  • Keeping up with recommended dental appointments.

    • Not everyone's oral-health needs are exactly the same. Your dentist or dental hygienist can recommend products and techniques based on your teeth, gums, medical history and individual risk factors.

    4. Oral Health Is Part of Overall Health

    Your mouth is not isolated from the rest of your body. Oral health and overall health are closely connected, which is one reason dental professionals emphasize prevention and regular care.

    The ADHA's 2026 National Dental Hygiene Month programming specifically highlights the relationship between oral health and whole-person health. Its educational materials discuss how effective management of oral biofilm can help prevent oral disease and reduce inflammation.

    This doesn't mean that every dental problem automatically causes a medical condition. Rather, it reinforces why maintaining good oral health should be considered part of taking care of your overall well-being.

    5. National Dental Hygiene Month Is a Great Time for a Dental Checkup

    If it's been a while since your last dental appointment, October can be a good reminder to schedule one.

    A professional dental visit gives your dental team an opportunity to evaluate your oral health, provide preventive care and discuss any concerns you may have. It is also a chance to ask questions about brushing, flossing, mouthrinse, sensitivity, gum health or other issues you're experiencing.

    National Dental Hygiene Month isn't about achieving a perfect smile overnight. It's about building consistent habits and working with your dental team to maintain your oral health over time.

    Conclusion

    National Dental Hygiene Month 2026 is a reminder that a healthy smile starts with prevention and continues with daily care. From recognizing the work of dental hygienists to understanding the importance of brushing, cleaning between your teeth and maintaining regular dental visits, small steps can make a meaningful difference.

    This October, take a moment to thank your dental hygienist—and take a closer look at your own oral-health routine. The power of prevention starts with the choices you make every day.

    Contact Us

    Dr. Frank Esfandiari makes it easy to get back on track if it's been a while since you've seen the dentist. You can make an appointment online by clicking here, or call us at 805-647-6100.

    Flossing Could Do More Than Save Your Smile: New Research Links Daily Flossing to Longer Life

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    Flossing Could Do More Than Save Your Smile: New Research Links Daily Flossing to Longer Life

    Most people know that brushing and flossing help prevent cavities and gum disease. But what if a simple daily flossing habit could be associated with benefits that extend beyond your mouth?

    A recent large-scale study examining more than 10,000 Americans found a surprising connection between flossing frequency and overall mortality risk. While the researchers emphasize that flossing itself has not been proven to directly increase lifespan, the findings add to a growing body of evidence suggesting that oral health plays an important role in overall wellness.

    Here are the top three takeaways from this important research.

    1. People Who Floss Had a Significantly Lower Risk of Death

    The study found that participants who reported flossing had a nearly 30% lower risk of all-cause mortality compared to those who did not floss.

    Researchers analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) and followed participants for several years. After accounting for numerous health and lifestyle factors, flossing remained associated with better long-term health outcomes.

    While this does not prove that flossing directly prevents disease or extends life, it highlights the potential importance of maintaining good oral hygiene as part of a healthy lifestyle.

    2. The More Frequently People Flossed, the Greater the Benefit

    One of the most interesting findings was the dose-response relationship between flossing frequency and mortality risk.

    The researchers observed that as flossing frequency increased, mortality risk generally decreased. Daily flossers showed the greatest reduction in risk compared to people who never flossed.

    This finding reinforces what dental professionals have long recommended: consistency matters. Flossing once in a while can help, but making it a daily habit may provide the greatest oral health benefits.

    Removing plaque and food debris between teeth helps reduce inflammation, supports healthier gums, and can prevent periodontal disease from developing or worsening.

    3. Flossing May Help Even If You Already Have Gum Disease

    Periodontitis, commonly known as advanced gum disease, affects millions of adults and has been linked to a variety of systemic health conditions.

    The study found that individuals with periodontitis who did not floss had the highest mortality risk. However, among participants who had periodontitis, those who flossed showed a substantially lower risk than those who never flossed.

    Although flossing did not eliminate the elevated risk associated with gum disease, it appeared to lessen it. This suggests that maintaining good oral hygiene habits remains important even after gum disease has developed.

    For patients diagnosed with periodontitis, flossing, professional dental cleanings, and ongoing periodontal care can play a crucial role in managing the condition and protecting long-term oral health.

    What This Means for Your Dental Health

    The researchers caution that this study was observational, meaning it identified an association rather than proving cause and effect. It is possible that people who floss regularly also engage in other healthy behaviors that contribute to better overall health.

    Even so, the findings provide another compelling reason to take flossing seriously. Daily flossing is a simple, inexpensive habit that helps reduce plaque buildup, prevent gum disease, and support a healthier smile.

    This new research adds to growing evidence that oral health and overall health are closely connected. The study found that people who flossed regularly had a lower risk of death from all causes, and the benefits appeared to increase with more frequent flossing. Even among individuals with gum disease, flossing was associated with better outcomes.

    While flossing is not a guarantee of better health or a longer life, it remains one of the easiest and most effective steps you can take to care for your teeth and gums. Combined with regular dental checkups, professional cleanings, and good at-home oral hygiene, daily flossing can help protect your smile—and potentially contribute to a healthier future.

    Contact Us

    Dr. Frank Esfandiari makes it easy to get back on track if it's been a while since you've seen the dentist. You can make an appointment online by clicking here, or call us at 805-647-6100.