Most people think of spring as a time to clean up their house, but it can also be a great opportunity to take a closer look at your oral hygiene. Is there any room for improvement? Being proactive about smile care can go a long way toward helping you prevent cavities and gum disease. Here are 4 tips for a dental spring cleaning.
1. Get a New Toothbrush
If you used the same toothbrush throughout all of winter, you’re probably due for a replacement, especially if the bristles are frayed. When picking up a new toothbrush, make sure that you’re getting one with soft bristles. While a firmer toothbrush might seem like it will clean the teeth more thoroughly, it could easily end up wearing down your enamel if you brush too hard; soft bristles are much safer for your smile overall.
Additionally, if you have been using a manual toothbrush, now might be a good time to consider upgrading to an electric one. The moving parts and vibrations of an electric toothbrush help make it more thorough in removing accumulated plaque.
2. Give Your Toothbrush Holder a Cleaning
You may not give your toothbrush holder a second thought on most days, but this could be a mistake in the long run. Germs and bacteria in your bathroom can gather on your holder as easily as they can on any other surface. Therefore, it’s important to clean the container for your toothbrush on a regular basis.
One way to make sure that your toothbrush holder stays sanitized is to run it through your dishwasher at least one or two times every week. If you’d rather clean it manually, use warm soapy water and wipe it with disinfectant once you’re done
3. Throw Out and Replace Any Expired Oral Hygiene Products
Spring cleaning often includes checking the expiration dates of the food in the refrigerator. It’s a good idea to periodically do the same thing with your oral hygiene products. Expired mouthwash may sometimes contain harmful bacteria. Meanwhile, expired toothpaste isn’t necessarily dangerous, but it likely won’t be effective in removing plaque. Keep your smile safe by throwing out oral hygiene products that aren’t good anymore and picking up new ones at the store as soon as you can.
4. Schedule an Appointment with Your Dentist
If you haven’t seen your dentist for a while, you can schedule an appointment to give your teeth a different kind of spring cleaning. A trained dental expert can remove tartar buildup that you can’t remove on your own as well as check for any dental problems that are still in their earliest stages.
About the Author
Dr. Sivan Patel always puts the satisfaction of his patients first. His Des Plaines practice, Brite Smiles, offers a wide range of dental services under a single roof; naturally, this includes gentle, thorough cleanings for getting rid of plaque and tartar before they lead to infection and decay. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Patel, visit his website or call (847) 297-0808.
