Ah spring! The nights are getting brighter, the weather’s getting warmer, the flowers are starting to bloom. It’s a time for fresh beginnings, so why not freshen up your dental routine as well!
With magazines and social media full of PTs telling us to get our bodies in shape for summer, it’s also the perfect time to refocus on your smile and get set for beach photos without feeling the need to hide your teeth!
Read on for our 7 Steps To Spring Clean Your Smile:
Check your toothbrushes
We recommend replacing your toothbrush every 3-4 months in order to ensure the bristles are at their best, frayed brushes won’t clean as well. It also means the accumulation of any bacteria is kept to a minimum.
If you’ve been sick then consider replacing your toothbrush as soon as you’re better, and keep your brush away from others while you’re ill.
Children may need their toothbrushes replaced more frequently as they tend to brush their teeth much harder than adults.
Consider upgrading your equipment
If it’s time to get new toothbrushes then consider whether you should be replacing like for like, or if you should change things up a little.
If you feel your old brush wore too soon or didn’t clean as well as you’d like, then there are plenty of other options on the market.
Always choose a brush that is comfortable in your mouth and bristles that aren’t too rough. You might even want to swap out a manual brush for an electric toothbrush which can be better at cleaning between teeth and your gum line.
Where to store your toothbrush
You might think storing your toothbrush in an air tight container or snapping a cove over the head is hygienic but that’s not the case.
We recommend you store your brush upright after you’ve rinsed it and allow it to air dry. If you place your brush into a sealed container or closed cabinet with no air flow while it’s still damp, you’ll encourage bacteria to build up among the bristles.
It’s also best to store as far away from your toilet as possible in order to avoid toilet plume. While there are no records of people getting ill from the micro particles that float out of the loo when you flush it, it’s definitely more hygienic to maintain some distance…and close the lid before flushing!
Clean the holders
Come on, admit it…when was the last time you took all your toothbrushes and toothpastes out of the holder and looked inside?
Remember the holder is exposed to all the same bacteria as everything else in your bathroom so give it a good clean with soapy water and disinfectant before you put your new brushes in there!
Clear out old and expired products
Just like the food in your fridge or the makeup on your dressing table, products such as toothpaste and mouthwash also have expiration dates.
Have a look and bin the ones that are past their best and replace them with new products along with your new toothbrushes! If you’re unsure what products are the best for you and your family, then you can always ask us at your next appointment and we’d be happy to offer our suggestions!
Start flossing
Not the dance the kids were all at a couple of years ago obviously - unless you want to of course!
Flossing with either tape or interdental brushes can help clean bits of your teeth and gum line that you might miss with your brush - particularly in between your teeth.
Adding this step in your dental care routine can help reduce the risk of gum disease further down the line.
Book a hygiene appointment
If it’s been a while since you came to see us, then now’s the perfect time to give us a call and book a check up and hygiene appointment.
Kelly our Hygienist will press reset on your teeth by giving them a professional clean to remove stains and tartar build up.
We will also be able to look for any changes in your mouth and offer advice and guidance on how best to care for your teeth and gums in order to prevent gum disease.
Ready to book? Call us now on 01937 833416
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