Spring is the perfect time to clean your home, but what about your smile? Regular brushing and flossing aren’t enough. You need routine cleanings at the dentist. These cleanings, called prophylaxis, prevent disease. You should get a check-up and cleaning twice a year. The Academy of General Dentistry recommends it. Having professional teeth cleanings will greatly improve your long-term oral health. Prevention is better than cure. Smiles of Round Lake has put a helpful list of 5 Ways to Spring Clean Your Smile together.
Regular Dental Checkups
It is always a good idea to have regular dental checkups and cleaning. These checkup help prevent gum disease, prevent plaque, and prevent tooth decay. After Dr. Lin, assists you with your checkup he can inform you of any issues or concerns you might have. It is extremely helpful to catch a problem earlier than later.
Replace You Toothbrush
Did you use the toothbrush you received in your Christmas stocking? That’s good. It’s been three months, so it’s time to replace the worn-out bristles. Electric toothbrush heads should also be replaced every 3-4 months. Were you sick recently? If you forgot to replace your or your child’s toothbrush after being ill, now is the time to dispose of it and get a new one.
Check Your Mouthwash
Old mouthwash can be used without providing any benefits. Keep track of expiration dates to ensure maximum effectiveness. Evaporation causes rinses to become less effective over time. When shopping for mouthwash make sure it has the ADA label on it and check the expiration date. Regularly inspecting your products is important for maintaining oral hygiene. Fresh breath and healthy teeth are important, so don’t neglect your mouthwash routine.
Clean Your Mouth Pieces
Brushing our retainers, night guards for teeth grinding (bruxism), clear aligners, etc. should be part of our daily routine. The cases these sit in, however, often get neglected and can collect bacteria and grime. Spring cleaning is the perfect opportunity to soak your cases and give them a good scrub to clear debris and bacteria. If you’ve been sick it’s always a good idea to try and remember to scrub your retainers, guards, and cases right away to avoid getting sick again.
Flossing Restock
The recommended floss length for each session is 18 inches. Daily flossing adds up to around 45 feet of floss per month, so it’s best to keep a sufficient supply on hand to avoid running out unexpectedly. Another option is to get a water floss machine. That way you do not have to worry about stocking up on all that floss.
Final Thoughts
We have provided 5 Ways to Spring clean your smile. Now it is your turn to stop hiding that beautiful smile of yours by calling Smiles of Round Lake. Smiles of Round Lake is a friendly Dentist Office that works with its dental patients based on their needs. We can be reached by phone, at 847-546-1542, or by email at [email protected].