Spring Cleaning … For Your Mouth
Spring is the perfect season to refresh your routine and de-clutter your life. But beyond cleaning your home, you can also focus on some spring cleaning for your mouth.
As the weather warms and the days get longer, incorporate the following tips into your daily life so you can have a sparkling smile by the time summer rolls around.
Upgrade Your Equipment
Springtime is the right time to buy a new toothbrush, especially since experts recommend that you replace it every three months (sooner if your toothbrush is showing excess wear, such as frayed bristles).
You could also get even more cleaning power by upgrading to an electric toothbrush. These high-tech brushes are designed to remove debris from your teeth more effectively and with less effort on your part. Who wouldn’t want to make brushing easier?
You’re Flossing, Right?
In addition to brushing your teeth for at least two minutes twice a day, flossing will allow you to get in between your teeth to remove debris that even the best electric toothbrush can miss. A good rule to follow is to use about 18 inches of floss daily. So if you’re running low on supplies, spring is the ideal time to replenish your stock.
Want to add more power to your flossing routine too? Consider investing in a water flosser, especially if you’re like a lot of people and you avoid flossing with string. We know how tedious flossing can be!
5 Steps to a Complete Clean
Once you’ve stocked up on the right at-home dental gear, it’s time to give your mouth a thorough spring cleaning.
Step 1: Brush your teeth for at least two minutes, making sure to brush along the gum line.
Step 2: Brush the roof of your mouth, as well as the inside of the cheeks. After all, bacteria could get cozy in every area of your mouth, not just your teeth and gums.
Step 3: Use a tongue scraper to thoroughly and gently clean your tongue. If you don’t have a tongue scraper, you can use your toothbrush, but a tongue scraper is ideal. Fresh breath, here we come!
Step 4: Clean between the teeth by using string floss or a water flosser.
Step 5: Rinse your entire mouth with some minty mouthwash. Aah… There is no doubt your entire mouth will feel brand new by the time you complete this final step.
Check-in with Your Dentist
Experts suggest getting your teeth professionally cleaned and examined by a dentist every six months, and when you have a plan through Spirit Dental, you can receive three cleanings per year. So if you haven’t seen your dentist recently, let this blog serve as a reminder to set an appointment asap!
Your dentist will check for gum disease, cavities, and other oral health problems so you can start receiving treatment right away. Plus, with a professional cleaning, which includes scaling and polishing your teeth, you can have tartar and plaque removed that you can’t get rid of on your own.
Spring into a Brighter Smile
As you focus on your annual spring cleaning, you can also jump-start a new and improved oral hygiene routine right at home. In between trips to the dentist, you’ll be equipped to keep your entire mouth clean and fresh, no matter the season.