“Spring cleaning” is defined as “the act or process of doing a thorough cleaning of a place.” Its first-known use was way back in 1841. Conveniently for a dental blog post, the place where said cleaning is occurring can be your mouth! Spring is a great time to dust off the cobwebs and seek a fresh start. Your oral health isn’t too far removed from what is likely its most difficult time of the year – the holiday season – and a teeth cleaning could be just what the doctor (or dentist) ordered. Keep reading to get some helpful tips from your dentist in Lincoln.
Give Your Toothbrush Holder a Cleaning
Cleaning the area your store your toothbrush is a great way to keep things sanitary. After all, the container where you keep your toothbrush is exposed to the same germs and bacteria as your other bathroom surfaces. Wash it in warm and soapy water, wipe it down with disinfectant, or run it through the dishwasher at least once a week to keep your toothbrush – and your mouth – clean as well.
Check Expiration Dates
Expiration dates apply to more than the milk in your fridge or the bread on the kitchen counter. Don’t forget that your dental care products have expiration dates, too. Check out your mouthwash and toothpaste to see if they are still current and at maximum effectiveness. If not, this could be a great opportunity to switch up the products you use or at least take a good look at your options when at the store.
Schedule a Spring Cleaning to Spruce Up Your Dental Health
Especially if your last dental checkup was well before the holiday season, you should consider getting a fresh start with a professional teeth cleaning. Your dental team will polish away stains, remove tartar buildup, and make sure you don’t have any developing oral health concerns. Plus, it’s a great time to ask your dentist any questions that might have arisen since your last visit.
Is Your Toothbrush Ready for Spring?
The American Dental Association recommends getting a new toothbrush every 3-4 months – or sooner if the bristles are frayed. Instead of an exact replacement, consider upgrading your toothbrush. While firm or medium bristles might make it feel like you’re getting a more thorough cleaning, they can actually do more harm than good. Especially if you brush too hard the result could be loss of enamel or receding gums, so opting for a soft-bristled brush is a wise move.
Also, due to their vibrations or rotating movement, electric toothbrushes are proven to offer a more thorough cleaning than their manual counterparts. This is especially helpful as you get older when your hand and arm may not be as strong as they once were.
Though taking great care of your teeth should be a priority regardless of season, the theme of spring cleaning does offer a great opportunity to upgrade the standing of your mouth just in time for the improvement in the weather and perhaps more friends and family to smile at! Your dentist in Lincoln is ready to help you do exactly that.
About the Author
Dr. Louis Olberding has been working hard for the Lincoln community and surrounding areas in his current dental office for nearly two decades. Earning his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Nebraska Medical Center, he continues to prioritize learning and is one of two dentists in Nebraska to hold the prestigious position of Spear Visiting Faculty. Dr. Olberding would love to help with your spring cleaning via a dental checkup and cleaning which you can schedule on his website or by calling (402) 488-2325.