The phrase “spring cleaning” can make you think about warmer weather, purging items from your home, and breaking out the gloves, mop, broom, and your favorite products to make your home clean and feeling new. But did you know that spring cleaning can just as much apply to cleanings from a dentist and your at-home oral hygiene? Read on to learn what steps you should take at home and why spring is the perfect time to visit a dental office!
Replace Your Toothbrush (and Buy in Bulk)
Toothbrushes are not meant to last forever. Once the bristles begin to fray or flatten, they become significantly less effective at removing plaque and food debris from the mouth. This is why you’ll need to replace the toothbrush (or the toothbrush head if you use an electric version) every two to three months. If you use more force while brushing (which you should try to avoid), you may need to replace it sooner. Additionally, make sure you are only using soft-bristled toothbrushes as medium or hard options can damage your enamel.
It’s also worth upgrading your toothbrush if you only use a manual one currently. While an electric toothbrush is not required to keep teeth clean and healthy, it’s certainly a worthwhile investment if you want to make oral care easier.
Is Your Toothbrush Holder/Area Clean?
While replacing your toothbrush regularly is the most hygienic thing to do, don’t let the area that’s holding your toothbrush get into disarray either. If you do use an electric toothbrush, you may notice buildup on the bottom portion of your charging stand over time. In many cases, you can keep it clean by rubbing it with a tissue and some isopropyl alcohol. You can also check the product’s instructions to see the best way to sanitize it. If you use a standard holder, wash it with soap and water as bacteria can easily collect and travel to your toothbrush.
Get Your Dental Cleaning Scheduled Early
The only way to effectively confirm your at-home care is working as intended and remove any plaque that may have been missed is through a professional dental checkup. Furthermore, if you’ve developed tartar, the calcified version of plaque, you’re never going to be able to remove it with brushing and flossing on your own. This is where a visit to the dentist becomes vital for your long-term oral health.
Additionally, spring checkups are a great opportunity to complete a routine exam. If there are any underlying problems with your smile that may be hiding in plain site (either because you have no symptoms or they simply aren’t visible to the naked eye), you can get them handled before they turn into dental emergencies.
When you aren’t spending time outside with family or cleaning up the home, give a dentist a call today and schedule a spring cleaning!
About the Author
The dentists of Dental Essentials are highly experienced in creating a comfortable patient experience for everyone that visits their practice. Their routine preventive care is comfortable, comprehensive, and designed with your long-term oral health in mind. If they determine additional treatment is necessary to protect your smile, they’ll break down your treatment plan in detail so you know exactly what to expect. To schedule an appointment, you can contact them through their website.