The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, the flowers are blooming. Spring is officially here and brings with it a chance for renewal and a fresh start. When we think about “Spring Cleaning” we typically think about deep-cleaning our homes or clearing out our closets, but spring is a wonderful time to think about deep-cleaning and brightening your smile too!
This Spring, in between washing the windows and re-organizing your junk drawer, take a few minutes to think about ways to freshen up your smile too. Here are some suggestions from Dr. Jim Peck to help you get started!
Your Dental Routine
You are probably familiar with the recommended 3-step dental routine of brush-floss-rinse, but are you making it a priority to complete it every day? Spring is the perfect time to re-commit to a daily dental routine that will keep your teeth plaque-free!
Brush: Twice a day, for at least two minutes. Use a soft-bristle toothbrush (manual or electric) at a 45-degree angle to the gums. Make sure you are brushing all surfaces of your teeth including the outer, inner, and chewing surfaces. And don’t forget to brush your tongue - it holds bacteria which can contribute to bad breath.
Floss: At least once a day (but also after meals is even better). Get under your gum line on both sides of the tooth for maximum effectiveness. Although water flossers are becoming more common, we recommend sticking with traditional floss as it is still the most effective way to remove plaque and food particles from in between your teeth.
Rinse: Use a fluoride mouthwash at least once a day after brushing and flossing. Swish for at least one minute, spit, and don’t rinse with water. There are many flavors and varieties of mouthwash, some also have other active ingredients that can help whiten teeth or treat dry mouth. Avoid alcohol-based rinses that can dry out your mouth and irritate your gums.
Your Dental Products
Is it time to restock your dental products? Are you happy with the results you’re getting from your toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash, or floss? Maybe it’s time to try something new - or that will make you more likely to complete your daily dental routine.
Replace your toothbrush or brush head
Your manual toothbrush or electric toothbrush head should be replaced every three to four months, or sooner if the bristles are frayed or worn down. Toothbrushes lose their effectiveness over time, so those worn out bristles could be leaving behind plaque and bacteria. Grab yourself a fresh new toothbrush or brush head at the start of every season and you’ll be good to go!
Double Check your Mouthwash
Does your mouthwash have fluoride to prevent cavities? Are you gargling for a full 30 seconds? Do you need an extra boost in your mouthwash such as whitening or dry mouth treatment? Should you switch to an alcohol-free rinse for less burn?
A new season is a great time to look into dental products that may work better for you. We’ve listed some of our dental product favorites in this blog post.
Your Bi-Annual Cleaning
Have you had your first bi-annual dental cleaning of the year? If not, it’s time to schedule it! You should visit your dentist for a cleaning and exam twice a year to ensure your mouth is healthy and sparkling clean! Regular cleaning and dental exams help maintain optimal oral health and identify any potential dental concerns before they have a chance to develop into something more serious.
Scheduling your appointment well in advance means you have more flexibility to get the day and time you prefer. Give us a call today to schedule your cleaning and exam!
Cosmetic Dental Improvements
If you’ve been considering cosmetic dental improvements to your smile, Spring is a great time to look at your options. Whether you have had some previous dental work, but haven’t been able to achieve your desired results, or if changes in your teeth from aging or your lifestyle have significantly impacted the appearance of your smile, Smile New Braunfels can help!
Cosmetic Dentistry at our office in New Braunfels can include a variety of procedures, including:
Professional-grade teeth whitening, to brighten up discolored teeth;
Porcelain veneers, which are a thin, shell-like, layer of porcelain that are placed over existing teeth that have flaws, such as chips or discolored spots;
Crowns can correct severely damaged teeth with a natural appearance;
Gum contouring, also called gum reshaping or tissue sculpting, this procedure can even out an uneven gum line.
We hope you are enjoying all the beauty that Springtime can bring! And just like tending to the new blooms popping up in your garden, don’t forget about caring for the brightest part of you - your smile!
