The sun is shining, the birds are singing, and the flowers are blooming. It’s official…spring is on its way! This fresh new season usually brings a sense of renewal, and many people begin to do a deep clean of their homes. You can take it a step further and spring-clean your smile, too! In addition to your daily dental routine of brushing and flossing, there are some extra things you can do to reset your oral health. Here are four easy ways to spruce up your grin.
#1. Out with the Old Toothbrush, In with the New One!
Are your toothbrush bristles looking like they have seen better days? If so, it’s time to toss out your toothbrush and get a new one. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, you should replace your toothbrush every three to four months, and even sooner if your bristles are splayed. Worn-out bristles are not able to adequately get rid of food particles and plaque. A nice, fresh brush will keep your pearly whites healthy and beautiful! If you want to really enter the spring season with a bang, invest in an electric toothbrush; it’s been proven to clean even more thoroughly due to the number of times it swivels over your teeth.
#2. Deep Clean Your Toothbrush Holder
As you take out your old toothbrush to throw away, take a look at your toothbrush holder before placing your new brush inside. How does it look? Oftentimes, the items that are used the most in a home are the ones that get neglected from being deep cleaned. By thoroughly washing and sanitizing your toothbrush holder, you’ll get rid of any germs and bacteria it has been exposed to in the bathroom. Simply soak it in hot, soapy water or place it in the dishwasher; it will be fresh and ready to go for your new toothbrush!
#3. Say Good-Bye to Old Dental Products
Just like the cans of food in your pantry or the containers in your fridge, dental products have an expiration date. Once that happens, they are not as effective at keeping your smile clean and protected. As you spring clean and get rid of out-of-date items, take time to go to the bathroom and check your mouthwash and tubes of toothpaste. Toss out the ones that have passed their expiration date and replace them with ones you have been wanting to try out.
#4. Schedule a Spring-Cleaning for Your Smile
When was the last time your teeth had a professional cleaning? Even if you are consistent with your oral hygiene routine, your smile needs a checkup and cleaning every six months. And there is no better time to go visit your dentist than the start of spring! Not only will they polish your teeth to perfection, but they can also catch any oral health issues before they become more serious.
About the Author
Dr. Marjan Salari and her team at Nova Smile Dental keep the smiles of Annandale healthy and beautiful throughout every season! With numerous awards and affiliations, she graduated with her dental degree from the Université Libre de Bruxelles (Belgium) and has almost 20 years of experience. She provides a full scope of high-quality dental services to help you achieve your best smile, exemplified by a 5-star rating on Google from over 100 reviews. To schedule an appointment, contact her through her website or call (703) 763-0800.