October is National Dental Hygiene Month, a month dedicated to promoting healthy smiles and celebrating the hard work of dental hygienists across the country. In honor of it, we’ve brought you 5 tips for optimal oral health from world-traveled dentist, Dr. Dane Hoang.
Throughout the pandemic, the dental hygiene community has continued to come together in extraordinary ways to ensure that caring for patients was still possible while maintaining a safe environment. In addition to working throughout the pandemic as a pediatric dentist, Dr. Hoang uses her skills to volunteer with global nonprofit Operation Smile, which provides free reconstructive cleft surgery to areas of the world where it’s needed most.
Dr. Hoang’s Top 5 Tips for Optimal Oral Health
1.) Brush Twice a Day: The foundation for good oral health is brushing your teeth. By brushing twice daily you greatly reduce your risk of cavities, gum disease and other oral health conditions.
2.) Floss Once a Day: Cleaning between your teeth may help prevent cavities and gum disease and prevent the buildup of plaque on your teeth.
3.) Use Fluoride Toothpaste: Toothpaste that contains fluoride helps to prevent cavities in both adults and children. Fluoride is a natural element that strengthens teeth and prevents their decay.
4.) Drink a lot of Water: By rinsing away harmful bacteria and food debris, drinking water fights cavities and gum disease.
5.) Dental Checkup Every 6 Months: Visiting the dentist every six months can help detect and diagnose any problems early and help avoid costly and painful procedures.
ABOUT THE DOCTOR
Dr. Dane Hoang has been serving children in her community as a pediatric dentist at Children’s Dental Care in Dallas, Texas for over 20 years.
Dr. Hoang has also contributed her skills as a dental volunteer on over 10 medical missions with Operation Smile. Most of her volunteer work has been focused in Hue, Vietnam, near where she was born and lived until her parents fled the country to immigrate to the United States in 1979.
“My parents’ work ethic and independence inspired me to find an occupation that would incorporate both autonomy and manual dexterity. The field of dentistry provided me with the best of both worlds,” said Dr. Hoang.
Inspired to do more to support Operation Smile’s mission, Dr. Hoang began raising funds around Dallas through her nonprofit Le Hoang Foundation. Dane has worked closely with Operation Smile to establish a gala in Houston that has raised more than $650,000 since its inception in 2014.
As a a volunteer with Operation Smile, Dr. Hoang is dedicated to ensuring the health and well-being of her patients, which includes maintaining optimal oral health.
“It’s been a life changing experience for me to travel around the world and meet some of the most amazing human beings who have dedicated their lives to help children by volunteering with Operation Smile,” Dr. Hoang said. “Dental hygiene month is important to raise awareness and remind everyone to practice proper oral hygiene in order to achieve optimal oral health for a beautiful smile.”
ABOUT OPERATION SMILE
Operation Smile is a global surgical nonprofit that improves the health and dignity of patients living with cleft lip and cleft palate in low- and middle-income countries. Since 1982, Operation Smile has been committed to providing patients with health that lasts through life-saving cleft surgeries and comprehensive care, helping them to better breathe, eat, speak and live lives of greater quality and confidence. Its training and education programs elevate safe surgical standards and strengthen a global network to reach more people earlier in their lives. Learn more at www.operationsmile.org or by following @operationsmile on social media.
