As the days get warmer and longer, a lot of people refresh their homes with a thorough spring cleaning. When is the last time you gave the same care and attention to your oral health?
Yes, spring cleaning shouldn’t just be for your home. Refresh your mouth and keep your smile healthy with these tips.
Clean your mouth thoroughly
This spring, resolve to kick up your dental hygiene game a notch. Here are some ideas.
- Use a tongue scraper – Reach the back of your mouth and remove the layer of bacteria effectively with this handy tool.
- Gargle before you brush – Put a tablespoon of salt in warm water, then gargle with it to loosen up bits of food and plaque. This will not only be great for your oral health but can help reduce your chance of developing late-season flu or cold.
- Set your timer – You think that you are brushing for the recommended two minutes – but do you, really? To be sure, consider tracking the seconds with a stopwatch, then do your best to spend at least 30 seconds on each quadrant of your mouth.
Throw old supplies
If your oral hygiene tools are more than three months old, it’s high time to say goodbye. Gather old electric toothbrush heads or old traditional toothbrushes in the trash. Remember, your toothbrush won’t be as effective if its bristles have begun to fray. Similarly, get rid of your tongue scraper as soon as you notice signs of wear and tear.
While you are at it, inspect your bathroom drawers and cabinets. When was the last time you checked the expiration dates of your mouthwash and toothpaste? Like milk, toothpaste can go bad and may start to break down over time. Fluoride, the active ingredient in toothpaste, can lose its effectiveness. The flavor and texture of your toothpaste may also change over time.
Stock up on brand-new dental products
Now that you have successfully cleaned out your bathroom drawer or cabinet, the next step is to purchase new dental floss, toothbrushes, and toothpaste. No more procrastination – or excuses!
Book your next dental visit
As important as they are, your floss and toothbrush are no match for your dentist’s tools. Having a professional dental cleaning from your Dallas dentist can help to effectively remove tartar, which eventually develops into tooth decay. Additionally, your teeth will appear whiter and will feel smoother after a dental cleaning.
Sources:
“Tongue Scrapers and Cleaners,” American Dental Association, https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/tongue-scrapers
“Toothbrushes,” American Dental Association, https://www.ada.org/resources/research/science-and-research-institute/oral-health-topics/toothbrushes
“There’s No Substitute for a Professional Cleaning,” Family Smiles, https://famsmiles.com/blog/sugar-land/2021/2188/professional-cleaning/“10 Things You Didn’t Know About Your Toothbrush,” American Dental Association, https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/toothbrushes
