Spring has sprung, and the sun is out. It is something to smile about. However, is your smile ready to shine? Here are seven tips to refresh your smile and care for your teeth this season. Don’t forget to schedule your next appointment at Bristol Dental Clinic for deep teeth cleaning.
1. Replace Your Toothbrush
When was the last time that you replaced your toothbrush? If you can’t answer that, then it’s time for a change. You should replace your toothbrush every three months or whenever the bristles start to fray. Old toothbrushes can harbour harmful bacteria, which defeats the purpose of brushing. Instead of ridding your mouth of cavity-causing bacteria, you increase it into the mix.
Frayed toothbrushes also don’t clean as effectively, meaning plaque and tartar can quickly get out of control. Eventually, this can lead to the development of tooth decay. Your smile may also be yellow as brushing fails to scrub the stains away.
Ensure your new toothbrush is soft-bristled since hard bristles can damage your tooth enamel. So, if you buy hard-bristle brushes because you think they last longer, now is the time to stop. You could be doing more harm than good!
If you use an electric toothbrush, replace the head every two to three months (or as soon as its bristles begin to fray).
2. Clean Your Toothbrush Holder
Remember the container area after scrubbing the shower, toilet, and sink. In particular, remember to clean your toothbrush holder. People commonly overlook this household item during even the most thorough spring cleanings. However, keeping it clean and free from bacteria is very important for the health of your mouth.
You should always store your toothbrush in a clean place. Otherwise, germs and bacteria can spread to your toothbrush and then, in turn, spread to your mouth. Not only is this gross, but it can also compromise your oral health.
This spring, give your toothbrush holder a deep clean. Disinfect it with warm, soapy water or throw it in the dishwasher. If you have a travel case for your toothbrush, now is a great time to clean it.
3. Throw Out All Expired Products
Many dental products have a shelf life. You won’t get the same results if you use them past their expiration. Your mouthwash and toothpaste won’t be as effective, meaning your smile isn’t protected against tooth decay and gum disease.
If you’re brushing your teeth twice per day (which you should be), you’re likely finishing the tube of toothpaste long before it expires. Mouthwash, on the other hand, is sometimes forgotten under the sink or in the cabinet. Be sure to look at its expiration date and replace it if needed.
If you have separate carry-on-sized toothpaste and mouthwash for trips, remember to check these items. An oral care travel kit is a fantastic way to maintain dental habits while travelling. However, it won’t work as well with expired products.
4. Protect Your Smile With a Mouth guard
The return of spring also means that many sports will be starting again. Playing sports is a great way to stay active and stay healthy. However, your smile can get damaged in the process. Annually, thousands of people chip or knock out a tooth during the game. These dental injuries can be severe, sometimes requiring extensive and costly restorative treatments.
Yet, these injuries are often preventable. At the very least, you can minimize the severity.
A custom, well-fitted mouth guard is the best way to protect your smile while playing sports. Wearing a mouth guard can be the difference between losing a tooth (and the resulting restorative surgeries) and keeping your natural smile intact. Custom-made mouth guards provide the highest level of protection while being more comfortable to wear. If you or a loved one play sports, it’s worth the investment.
5. Eat a Diet Rich in Fruits and Vegetables
Spring means fresh fruits and vegetables will appear in grocery stores and farmer’s markets. Take advantage of nature’s bounty and fill your diet with various produce. Eating the rainbow is one of the best things you can do for your overall and oral health.
The foods you choose will have a significant impact on the well-being of your mouth. Diets that are high in sugar go hand-in-hand with cavities. That’s because sugar feeds the bacteria in your mouth, creating an acidic and plaque-ridden environment that promotes tooth decay.
Most of us associate sugar with candy and cookies. However, many products contain hidden sugars. Fruit is also high in sugar, so you should minimize your consumption of fruit juices. You’re effectively bathing your teeth in sugar. Instead, reach for the whole fruit, since it contains many helpful vitamins that support oral health.
6. Tackle Stubborn Stains With a Whitening Treatment
Over time, our smiles can lose their shine. Even if you stick to a thorough at-home oral hygiene routine, you may still experience dental stains and discolouration. That’s because our diets and aging can cause teeth to become yellow or fade.
Coffee, tea, red wine, and tomato sauce are common culprits. Since most people aren’t willing to give up their favourite beverages, professional teeth whitening is a great option.
Professional whitening treatments tackle the stubborn stains that brushing alone cannot remove. These treatments are more effective than over-the-counter whitening products, and they’re safer. Brightening your smile for spring is easy with the help of a reputable dental office in Mississauga.
7. Visit Your Local Dental Office in Mississauga For a Professional Spring Cleaning
Lastly, schedule your routine appointment at your favourite Mississauga dental office, Bristol Dental Clinic. These visits play a role in preventing cavities and diseases and keeping your smile looking bright and beautiful.
During your appointment, you receive a deep cleaning that removes plaque, tartar, and stains. You’ll leave with a smile that looks noticeably brighter and feels refreshed.
Contact Bristol Dental Clinic to book your appointment. With our highly skilled team and fully digital dental clinic, we provide the highest standards of dental care in Mississauga.
To book an appointment in Mississauga, call Bristol Dental Clinic at 866-673-2109 or contact us here.
From oral hygiene to lifestyle adjustments, your advice is invaluable for maintaining dental health and confidence. Thank you for sharing these enlightening tips!