When spring arrives, many people start purging, organizing, and cleaning up their homes. This yearly happening should extend to your oral health. Spring is the perfect time to schedule your regular dental appointment to keep your smile healthy.
Dr. Stephen Coates, DDS and his Long Beach dental team have the only checklist you’ll need for your dental spring cleaning each year.
Spring Dental Cleaning for Home
Replace Your Toothbrush
The American Dental Association suggests that you get a new toothbrush every quarter. If you notice that the bristles are beginning to fray, you should replace your toothbrush sooner. Make sure you’re choosing the right toothbrush. Go for soft bristles to protect your enamel and gums. Go for an electric toothbrush for more thorough cleaning; ask your dental professional for the best option.
Refresh Your Routine
Make sure you’re properly taking care of your teeth at home. Brush at least twice each day for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste. Ensure that you’re cleaning between the teeth well with string floss, floss picks, or a water flosser. Use a therapeutic or antiseptic mouthwash to keep plaque and gingivitis at bay.
Clean Your Toothbrush Holder
When replacing your toothbrush, clean the germs and bacteria off of your toothbrush holder. Use warm, soapy water, mouthwash, or disinfectant. If dishwasher safe, run it through regularly to keep it clean.
Verify Your Dates
As you check your expiration dates on the food in your fridge and pantry, check those on your mouthwash and toothpaste.
Try Something New
Look around and see which products you’re using. Spring is a great time to refresh your products. Try new flavors or products that target issues that you’ve been having.
Professional Dental Spring Check-Up
Start by scheduling your regular dental checkup. Oral cancer screenings are important, and this appointment is a great time to ask for advice on keeping your teeth clean at home. We must identify tooth decay early on to avoid more costly treatments in the future.
Professional Dental Spring Cleaning
Doing all of these things at home will go a long way to protect your teeth. But you must schedule your routine cleaning. It’s important to get professional cleanings to remove plaque and tartar build-up and polish stains. Our dental hygienist has the tools and skills to ensure those hard-to-reach places are covered.
While you’re in the office, find out about teeth whitening. Your dental office is the best place to receive professional-grade tooth whitening service. The over-the-counter products can be harsh and will generally take longer to achieve good results.
The office of Dr. Stephen Coates, DDS, has several ways to improve your smile and keep your teeth healthy. When you visit regularly, we will notice changes as they occur, giving us the chance to start necessary treatments early.
We offer other restorative care, including fillings, veneers, dentures, Invisalign braces, and more. Get in touch with us today to schedule your dental spring cleaning! You can also give our office a call at 562-434-6414.
