Springtime is here, and that means tons of people are starting to clear old items out of their houses. From decluttering to making space for new clothes and furniture, spring cleaning is a great way to breathe new life into your home. Fortunately, this isn’t limited to the place where you live. Read on to learn five ways that you can do some maintenance on your smile this Spring.
#1: Floss Your Teeth
Though many people grow up hearing how important it is to floss your teeth at least twice per day, nearly one-third of adults do so less than once per week. Though brushing your teeth plays a big part in keeping your smile healthy, flossing is the only way to remove plaque and food particles from between your pearly whites.
#2: Upgrade Your Toothbrush
Toothbrushes should be replaced every three to four months since this is when the bristles begin to fray and become less effective at removing plaque from your teeth. You should also get a new toothbrush after you get over an illness to avoid reinfection. If you don’t already have one, consider upgrading to an electric toothbrush since they remove more plaque and give your smile a deeper clean.
#3: Clean Your Toothbrush Holder
Just like other items in the bathroom, your toothbrush holder is likely covered in germs. Even so, many people forget to clean it. Spray it down with disinfectant or use the dishwasher to clean it at least once per week so you can prevent harmful germs and oral bacteria from transferring to your toothbrush.
#4: Schedule a Professional Teeth Cleaning
If you’re one to wait until something is wrong to visit your dentist, now is the time to start seeing them every six months for checkups and cleanings. During these visits, your teeth will be thoroughly cleaned to remove plaque and tartar. Your dentist will then examine your oral cavity and determine if there are any oral health issues that need to be treated.
#5: Cut Out Bad Habits
Smoking, drinking alcohol too often, and eating too much sugar are all bad habits that can damage both your smile and other parts of your body. If you need help cutting back on your sugar or alcohol consumption or want to quit smoking, ask your dentist, therapist, or doctor for resources.
As you can see, there are several ways that you can improve your oral hygiene. By spring cleaning your pearly whites, you’ll be able to start the new season off with a more beautiful smile!
About the Author
Dr. S. John Salivonchik takes pride in giving his patients an enjoyable dental care experience from the moment they walk through the door. Could your smile use a spring cleaning? If so, he administers thorough dental cleanings to remove plaque and tartar from your pearly whites. Soon, your smile will look as lovely as ever. If you’re ready to schedule a consultation with Dr. S. John Salivonchik or want to learn more about his services, visit his website or call his office at (610) 502-1545 to get started.