Spring is upon us, friends.
Many of us view this time of warmer weather with excitement for longer days, backyard barbeques, and…..spring cleaning? Well, we may not approach spring cleaning with sheer enthusiasm, but it’s important for starting off the season on strong footing. The same notion goes for your oral hygiene routine. This month, discover a few helpful tips to help you in your spring cleaning oral hygiene routines!
Spring Cleaning Tip #1: Brush Up on Your Brushing Technique
The cornerstone of oral health is, of course, brushing your teeth. But are you doing it correctly? The importance of proper brushing technique cannot be overstated. It’s not just about frequency – brushing twice a day is the standard – but also duration; each brushing session should last at least two minutes. Use circular motions while brushing, dividing your time between upper left, upper right, lower left, and lower right teeth. Be gentle, too! You don’t want to possibly injure your gums.
Additionally, choosing the right toothbrush and toothpaste is crucial. There are many options available, so consider factors like bristle hardness and whether you need a toothpaste with specific benefits, such as sensitivity relief or tartar control.
Spring Cleaning Tip #2: Floss Like a Boss
Flossing, though often overlooked, is a crucial part of maintaining a healthy mouth. Proper flossing technique involves getting into the tight spaces between teeth and along the gum line where your toothbrush can’t reach. Make sure you are holding the floss tautly between your thumbs and index fingers, slide it gently up-and-down between your teeth. Gently curve the floss around the base of each tooth, making sure you go beneath the gum line. Never snap or force the floss, as this may cut or bruise delicate gum tissue.
Incorporating flossing into your daily routine can significantly reduce plaque buildup, combat bad breath, and the risk of gum disease.
Spring Cleaning Tip #3: Upgrade Your Oral Hygiene Arsenal
Consider expanding your oral hygiene arsenal beyond just a toothbrush and toothpaste. Mouthwash and dental rinses can provide an additional layer of protection against bacteria and plaque. Tools like tongue scrapers can contribute greatly to improve your oral health. Not only do they freshen your breath, but they also reduce the risks of developing cavities and other gum diseases.
Another great tool to add to your oral hygiene routine is a water flosser. This innovative device uses a stream of water to remove plaque, food particles, and bacteria from between your teeth and along the gumline, offering numerous advantages over traditional flossing methods.
Remember, the most effective oral hygiene products are those tailored to your specific needs, so do your research and consult with a dental professional.
Spring Cleaning Tip #4: Kick Bad Habits to the Curb
Bad habits can wreak havoc on oral health. Smoking not only leads to tooth discoloration, bad breath, but can put you at a higher risk for oral cancers and gum disease! Similarly, an excessive consumption of sugary snacks and drinks, or alcohol, can lead to problems like tooth decay and gum disease. Another bad habit that people don’t often think about is chewing ice cubes. The rigidity and cold temperature of ice can cause teeth to fracture and cause damage to fillings and other dental restorations. As part of your spring cleaning, aim to limit these habits or, even better, kick them to the curb.
Spring Cleaning Tip #5: Schedule a Dental Checkup
Finally, don’t forget the importance of regular dental checkups. Here at Montgomery Dentistry, these appointments allow for a professional cleaning and examination, ensuring that any potential issues are caught early on. Our dentists can provide advice and treatment that simply can’t be replicated at home, so make sure to schedule a visit at least twice a year.
Be sure to call us today at 334-279-0760 to book your next cleaning and get one step checked off of your spring cleaning checklist!
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Dr. Amy Morrison Anderson
