Spring Clean Your Dental Hygiene Routine
Posted on: 24 March 2015
Spring cleaning is commonly considered something you do for your house, but spring is a good time to do some maintenance on your dental hygiene routine, too. To reduce your risk of cavities, gum disease, and other dental ailments, follow this checklist to spring clean your dental routine.
Make sure you're brushing thoroughly.
The American Dental Association recommend brushing for 2 minutes, twice a day. Most people speed through their brushing routine, not spending anywhere close to 2 minutes. Buy a cute, spring-themed egg timer to time your brushing sessions and break this bad habit.
Evaluate your toothpaste choice.
There are so many types of toothpaste on the market today. Take a moment this spring to make sure you're using the right one. Are your teeth a little yellower than you'd like? Switch to a whitening toothpaste. If your teeth are sensitive to heat and cold, a sensitivity toothpaste is ideal. Just make sure you choose a paste that's approved by the ADA and contains fluoride, since this hardens your enamel and reduces the risk of cavities.
Stock up on floss.
Neglecting to floss every day leaves you at an increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Many people run out of floss and forget to buy more, meaning that they don't floss for extended periods of time. Buy a years' supply of floss right now, so you have no excuses this year. Keep some in your car so you can floss in the parking lot on busy mornings.
Replace your toothbrush.
Just because it doesn't look worn does not mean it's in good shape. Old brushes can hold onto bacteria, increasing your risk of decay and gum disease. The ADA recommends replacing your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months. Change yours now that spring has arrived, and remember to do so again at the start of each new season. This way, you'll stay on track.
Set up your dental cleaning appointments.
Once the busy summer hits, you won't have as much time to worry about things like dentist appointments. Schedule your cleaning appointment now so you don't forget about it. This also gives you plenty of time to take care of any problems your dentist identifies, such as cavities, before the busy summer season hits.
Dental hygiene should be practiced all year long, but sometimes you need to focus and reboot your routine. Complete the tasks above to spring clean your dental hygiene routine, and then stick to your new, healthy habits in the months that follow. This time next year, you'll have an even healthier smile. For more great dental tips, contact a professional like Dr. Sudharani V Chary.
Share