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With spring in the air, you’re probably thinking about dusting off your cabinets or getting rid of the junk you’ve accumulated and stashed in your closet over the past year. However, your home isn’t the only thing that deserves a spring cleaning. Why not take some steps to also spruce up your dental hygiene this year? Read on as a dentist in Highland Park shares four simple tips for helping your smile look and feel fresh and clean!
1. Replace Your Toothbrush
Quick – when was the last time you bought a new toothbrush? If you can’t remember, then it’s definitely time to switch to a new one. After about three or four months, the bristles start to become worn and frayed, making them less effective at removing plaque from your teeth. Treat yourself to a brand-new toothbrush this spring. If you really want to make an upgrade, consider getting an electric toothbrush; studies suggest they provide a more thorough clean than manual brushes.
2. Wash Your Toothbrush Holder
The container where you store your toothbrush collects all of the same germs as the other surfaces in your bathroom, but chances are it doesn’t get cleaned nearly as often. That means all of those germs might gather on your toothbrush and end up in your mouth! For that reason, wash your toothbrush holder at least once or twice a week. All you need to do is run it through the dishwasher or even simply wipe it down with disinfectant.
3. Schedule a Visit with Your Dentist
As crucial as at-home oral hygiene is, regular checkups with your dentist are equally essential. They’ll be able to spot signs of cavities long before you would have noticed them, allowing them to treat the issue early with conservative methods. Plus, the hygienist will give you a professional teeth cleaning, removing plaque deposits that you can’t clear away with your toothbrush and floss at home.
4. Consider Professional Teeth Whitening
If you really want to go the extra mile on sprucing up your smile, then you may want to ask your dentist about their teeth whitening options. After all, with the warmer weather comes more photo opportunities, and you’ll naturally want a brighter smile you can feel proud to flash for the camera. With take-home and in-office teeth whitening treatments available, your dentist will help you attain your ideal look in the way that’s most convenient for you.
Make this year the start of a new tradition of including your dental hygiene in your spring cleaning. That way, your home and your smile can both enjoy a clean, fresh start!
About the Author
After studying dentistry in India, Dr. Girish Sandadi obtained his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor. Currently, he practices at Highland Smiles Dental, where he offers a vast array of preventive dental services for patients of all ages in the Highland Park area of Dallas, TX. He also provides in-office and take-home Zoom! Teeth Whitening treatments for patients who want to brighten their pearly whites. If you’d like to ask him about how you can give your smile a spring cleaning, you can contact Dr. Sandadi by calling 214-528-9990.