24th January 2022
Ways to Spring Clean Your Dental Hygiene
Routine cleaning and maintenance are essential not only to your home but also to your dental hygiene. With so many things to keep track of, it is easy to forget to perform basic dental procedures. Follow these easy, dentist-recommended steps to refresh your oral hygiene and promote dental health this season.
1.Replace your old toothbrush
With so many things to keep track of, it is easy to forget to replace your toothbrush regularly. In order to maintain the best dental hygiene, your toothbrush should be replaced once it shows wear or after three months of use—whichever comes first. You should also replace your toothbrush after you have been sick, as bacteria leftover on the bristles could result in reinfection or the spreading of germs to other members of your household. Having a few spare toothbrushes in your home is a convenient hack that will help you remember to replace your toothbrush as needed. When buying a new toothbrush, consider purchasing one with soft to medium bristles, as these are easiest on your gums, and one that has a small head, as this makes it easier to brush hard to reach spaces.
2.Schedule a cleaning with your dentist
You should schedule a scale and polish with your dentist every six months to a year for a comprehensive cleaning and exam. Visiting your dentist regularly will allow you to mainline maximum dental hygiene and keep track of any changes to your oral health.
3.Use floss and mouthwash
Flossing is an essential step that many fail to complete in their daily brushing routine. Flossing allows you to clear any debris that has lodged itself in the crack between your teeth—an area that your toothbrush bristles cannot typically access. If you haven’t flossed in a while, now is the perfect time to start! Flossing once a day can significantly improve your dental hygiene. Using mouthwash is another step that you can take to improve your dental health, killing bacteria in areas of the mouth that may be difficult to reach.
4.Don’t forget to brush your tongue
Brushing your tongue and the roof of your mouth can remove any bacteria or acid build-up from food, but it can also eliminate bad breath.
5.Toss out any sugary and unhealthy foods and beverages from your diet
A healthy diet is essential to your oral health. Eliminating sugary beverages and foods from your diet can reduce the amount of plaque build-up on your teeth. Tea and coffee can also leave a stain on your teeth if you fail to brush properly after consumption. Further, avoiding tobacco is one of the best things that you can do for your oral health since tobacco usage can lead to several dental health hazards including gum disease, oral cancer, and tooth decay. Adopting a vitamin rich diet instead can leave your teeth bright and healthy.
