Warm weather is finally here—and you know what that means! It’s time for a spring scrubbin’! But we’re not talking about your car or your kitchen floor. We’re talking about your teeth! While spring is an ideal time to make your home spic-and-span, it’s also a good time to give your teeth a thorough cleaning. Here are some tips for getting squeaky-clean teeth:
Replace Your Toothbrush
You wouldn’t use an old, dirty mop to clean your floors, right? Well, the same logic applies to your toothbrush. “A worn toothbrush won’t do a good job of cleaning your teeth,” according to the American Dental Association’s MouthHealthy website. So before you begin your spring teeth-cleaning regimen, pick up a new toothbrush.
Considering the ADA recommends replacing your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months, or as soon as the bristles start to become frayed, I’m betting it’s probably about time to replace your toothbrush anyway. #AmIRight?
Brush Up on Proper Techniques
Using proper brushing and flossing techniques will help make your pearly whites pristine—and keep them that way. Unfortunately, according to a 2014 survey by Delta Dental, while most Americans (nearly 7 in 10) are brushing their teeth at least twice a day, more than 30 percent aren’t brushing long enough. Most people brush their teeth for an average of only one minute and fifty-two seconds each time. The ADA recommends spending a full two minutes brushing, twice a day. So build a little extra time into your dental care routine, and give your chompers the attention they need.
Watch this short video by the ADA to learn more about proper teeth-brushing technique and see it in action.
Many adults don’t floss as well as they should either. Watch this other short video by Colgate for tips on how to floss better.
Visit Your Dentist for a Professional Cleaning
No matter how well you brush and floss your teeth, you can still benefit from having your teeth cleaned and examined by your dentist or dental hygienist at least once every six months. Consider scheduling an appointment each spring and fall. “Regular checkups will help your teeth stay cleaner, last longer, and can prevent painful problems from developing,” according to an article from the Colgate Oral Care Center.
Plus, with special instruments and high-tech tools—such as our Cavitron Ultrasonic Scaler, which removes built-up plaque and stains from teeth using water pressure and air polish— your dentist or dental hygienist can also clean your teeth faster and more thoroughly than you can through brushing and flossing alone.
Are You Searching For A Martinsburg Area Dentist For You Or Your Family?
If you’re searching for an experienced dentist please feel free to contact us online or call our Martinsburg, West Virginia dental office directly at 304.267.6059 to schedule your appointment. We provide a wide range of general dentistry care as well as more involved dentistry services for patients throughout the Martinsburg area and look forward to you joining the Cornerstone Dental family.
