Why You Should Give Your Teeth a Spring Cleaning

The first calendar year to have three different U.S. presidents was 1841, and that would only occur again 40 years later. Something perhaps less consequential in history that also happened in 1841 was the debut of the phrase “spring cleaning.” Defined as “thorough cleaning of a place,” spring cleaning can even relate to your oral health, which might still be recovering from the foods of the holiday season. Keep reading to learn from your dentist in Oshkosh about how you can conduct spring cleaning for your smile.

Set a Spring Cleaning to Benefit 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 in Oshkosh any questions that might have arisen since your last visit.

Take a Look at 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.

Time for a Seasonal Toothbrush Upgrade?

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.

Keep Your Toothbrush Holder Clean Too

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.

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 Oshkosh is ready to help you do exactly that.

About the Author

Dr. Bob Heil earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery at the University of Minnesota and he continues to strive to learn more within the dental field with advanced training in areas like dental sleep medicine and sedation dentistry. He is ready to help your spring-cleaning efforts with a dental checkup and cleaning which you can schedule on his website or by calling (920) 235-0320.