Ah, spring is in the air. A time for flowers to bloom and vacuums to hum. Folks everywhere are trudging through the loathsome tasks of cleaning filters, dusting cobwebs, and organizing shelves. The longer the cleaning takes, the more resolve they feel to keep up with the cleaning in the months ahead so they’re not so swamped this time next year.
Beverly Hills cosmetic dentist Dr. Sands says that much like your house, your mouth can be a host to unwanted debris that gets collected throughout the year. Daily habits like not brushing long enough, not flossing, or simply neglecting what needs to be done for your general oral upkeep can snowball into an overwhelming bacteria-filled mess. This mess can lead to infection, which can lead to gingivitis, which is linked to tooth decay and all sorts of other health problems. What better time than spring to clean all those hard-to-reach places and resolve to kick those bad habits for good?
The first thing you can do for your oral health is visit your dental hygienist. They can scrape off built-up plaque that is nearly impossible to reach with a toothbrush alone. A thorough routine checkup will give your mouth the perfect start to a fresh set of daily cleaning habits. But first, you will need the right cleaning supplies.
The Right Spring Cleaning Tools for Oral Health
- You should get a new toothbrush every three to four months, and if you keep your regular dental appointments every six months, they can serve as helpful reminders in case your worn toothbrush bristles don’t remind you first. Opt for a fancy electric toothbrush that does a lot of the work for you, or get a regular toothbrush with soft, nylon bristles that extend at the end to reach those hard-to-reach nooks and crannies. Either type works well to get the job done.
- You can also buy some new toothpaste at this time. Make sure to get a regular anti-plaque paste that contains chlorhexidine to help prevent dental plaque and tartar buildup. If you have tooth-sensitivity or would like a toothpaste with a whitening agent, ask your dentist for suggestions. Sometimes toothpaste with whitening chemicals can be abrasive to the enamel, which may not be best for you depending on the health of your teeth.
- The third tool in the spring cleaning trifecta is floss. It doesn’t matter which kind you get as long as you’re sure to use it every day. Floss will remove plaque beneath the gum line – the area where gingivitis develops and where the toothbrush usually misses.
Once you have the right cleaning tools, you can start your new oral care regimen of brushing twice daily and flossing daily. It’s also great to develop consciousness of what you eat and the effect it has on your oral health. Starchy, sugary foods cause tartar buildup and can make any infections worse. Eat these foods in moderation. Better yet, substitute them for some healthy fruits and vegetables. As you chew, your mouth will produce extra saliva which will reduce bacteria buildup.
Establishing these daily habits after a good oral “house cleaning” will make your next oral spring cleaning session – as well as your next routine dental checkup – a very simple task. Your Beverly Hills cosmetic dentist will thank you!