Winter has come to an end, and the warmer weather is beginning to take hold. It’s the perfect time to begin your annual spring cleaning to clear away all that clutter that’s accumulated in your home over the past year. While you’re focused on your living space, you might as well take care of your smile while you’re at it! Your pearly whites need some attention too. Here are some spring cleaning tips to freshen your smile.
Pick Out a Brand-New Toothbrush
If your current toothbrush has been sitting around for a while now, it’s likely time that you should be switching it out for a brand-new one. If you’re using an electric toothbrush, 12 weeks should be the cutoff date for when you replace the head of the toothbrush. The bristles become worn and frayed over time and don’t do as good of a job cleaning your teeth. This means a greater risk for cavities.
Look at the Expiration Date of Your Mouthwash
You are always checking the expiration date for your milk, eggs, and mayonnaise, but you probably don’t think to check when your mouthwash expires. When you use mouthwash, you should ensure that it hasn’t been collecting dust for too long. If yours has expired, toss it out and purchase a new one next time you go to the grocery or drug store.
Have Your Teeth Cleaned
You should be seeing your dentist every six months for a professional cleaning and checkup. During this time, your hygienist removes plaque and tartar from hard-to-reach places, and your dentist makes sure that you don’t have any existing oral health issues. When you have your teeth cleaned regularly, you can prevent oral health issues from occurring later on.
Clean Your Retainer, Clear Aligners, and Nightguard
If you have a retainer, aligners, or a nightguard that you wear, you probably already take time to clean them when you remove them, but you should also give them a deep cleaning now and again. This is also a great time for you to soak your cases and give them a good scrub to keep them fresh. Say goodbye to all of that debris and bacteria that’s accumulated over time.
Clean Your Dentures
Dentures are a lifechanging tooth replacement option for people who are missing most of or all of their teeth. If you wear dentures, you are familiar with the cleaning process that you must go through on a regular basis. However, you should also take them to a dentist for a professional cleaning every so often. This way, your dentist will be able to check them for wearing and damage as well. If anything is bothering you about your dentures, now is a great time to mention this to your dentist.
Spring cleaning only comes once a year, so it’s an excellent time to tidy up your smile! By using the tips listed above, you can set your pearly whites up for success.
About the Author
Dr. Richard Fossum is an experienced dentist who has been working in the field for well over 20 years. He earned his dental doctorate from the University of Texas Dental Branch in Houston and is committed to continuing education to keep his knowledge and skills sharp. Currently, he is a proud member of the American Dental Association, Texas Dental Association, Central Texas Dental Society, and the Academy of General Dentistry. For more ways to keep your smile healthy or to schedule your spring cleaning at his office in Temple, visit his website or call (254) 778-3900.