Spring has returned once again to bring us pleasant weather, beautiful flowers, and ample amounts of rain. While it’s traditional to set aside a little time to clean up your home or business during the spring season, many people may not realize all the benefits sprucing up their oral hygiene routines might bring them. Here are a few ways to give your mouth a thorough spring cleaning so you can enjoy excellent oral health year-round.
Get on Top of Your Oral Hygiene
Taking proper daily care of your teeth is a crucial part of keeping them healthy. Everyone’s oral hygiene routine should include the following unless they hear differently from their dentist:
- Brushing twice a day: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to gently polish each tooth with short, circular strokes. It’s best to brush before breakfast and before bed, but it’s also a great idea to brush between meals after waiting at least thirty minutes.
- Flossing: Flossing eliminates plaque and food debris from between the teeth where a toothbrush cannot reach, making it just as important as brushing. Do this at least once a day, but it’s also great to do it between meals.
- Antibacterial mouthwash: This germbusting concoction is a classy way to kill more than 99% of harmful oral bacteria and achieve irresistibly minty breath. Look for the American Dental Association’s logo on the label.
Cut Out a Few Bad Habits
There are a few things that your teeth are better off without. Smoking or chewing tobacco is absolutely terrible for your oral health because it leaves unsightly stains and buildup on your teeth. Nicotine also has the side effect of making blood vessels constrict, which makes it harder for your gums to heal and fight infections. Spring is a great time to quit smoking since doing so will allow you to smell the flowers properly.
While soda is a beloved beverage across America, it is heavy with sugar that feeds the harmful oral bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum disease. While it’s okay to enjoy a soda once in a while, take care to enjoy it with food, as the added saliva flow will help clean the sugary residue away from your teeth.
Schedule Your Next Dentist’s Appointment
The American Dental Association recommends seeing your dentist for routine visits at least twice a year. These appointments allow your dentist to clean the areas of the mouth that you can’t care for on your own while also correcting minor issues before they can become major problems. You’ll also receive valuable advice for practicing better oral hygiene. By seeing your dentist regularly, you can help ensure that your teeth stay healthy for life.
About the Author
Dr. Eduart Shkurti earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Southern California before completing a year-long residency at Montefiore Medical Center. He is proud to be an active member of the American Dental Association, the New York Dental Society, and the Astoria County Dental Society. His office in Astoria, NY offers preventive, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry. To schedule your next dental appointment, contact his office online or dial (718) 806-1662.