You probably feel like you do a good job of taking care of your smile throughout the year, but the truth is that there could easily be some room for improvement in your oral hygiene routine. This year, why not give your smile its own kind of spring cleaning? Below are 4 steps that can help keep your teeth looking and feeling fresh over the coming months.
1. Visit Your Dentist
You can begin your smile spring cleaning by setting up an appointment with your dentist. During your routine visits, a trained hygienist can give your teeth a thorough cleaning, removing any plaque or tartar that has accumulated. Then, your dentist will let you know about any problem areas that might need to be addressed.
A dental visit is the perfect time to ask for advice on good oral hygiene. Ask your dentist if they have any suggestions that could help you take better care of your teeth. For example, they might be able to identify parts of your smile that you need to pay closer attention to while brushing.
2. Check Your Bathroom for Expired Dental Products
You can’t keep your smile clean if the products you’re using aren’t good anymore. Take a look at your toothpaste; has it passed its expiration date? If so, it likely won’t be effective for preventing tooth decay anymore. You should also throw out any expired mouthwash, as it could contain dangerous bacteria.
Once you’ve gotten rid of expired dental products, the next step is to replace them with new ones. You can take this opportunity to compare different brands and see what kinds of benefits they offer; sometimes changing the toothpaste or mouthwash you’re using can be good for your smile.
3. Get a Good Toothbrush
Since your toothbrush needs to be replaced every three to four months, you can make buying a new one part of your smile spring cleaning. When selecting a toothbrush, check the bristles to make sure that they’re soft; harder bristles are known to contribute to enamel loss and gum recession. Also, it’s worth remembering that electric toothbrushes tend to do a more thorough job of cleaning teeth.
4. Clean Your Toothbrush Holder
Maybe you keep your toothbrush in a cup, or perhaps it has its own specialized container. Whatever kind of toothbrush holder you’ve chosen, make sure that you’re keeping it clean. After all, you don’t want to keep your toothbrush in a container that could be filled with germs. An easy way to keep your toothbrush holder clean is to run it through the dishwasher one or two times every week.
By following the above steps, you can make sure that you start your spring off on the right foot as far as your oral hygiene is concerned.
About the Author
Dr. Edward J. Dooley is proud to have nearly four decades of dentistry under his belt. He studied at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, and he belongs to a number of organizations including the New Jersey Dental Association. He helps his patients maintain healthier smiles with regular checkups and cleanings at Dooley Dental in Spring Lake. To set up a spring appointment with Dr. Dooley, visit his website or call (732) 974-2288.
