Fall is officially here and that means cooler weather, changing leaves, and a new year that is quickly approaching! As this new season begins, it’s a great time to re-evaluate your current dental routine and see if there are changes or improvements that need to be made.
Your daily dental routine is the foundation of good oral health. As we’ve shared in previous blogs, the 3-step routine of brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash is integral to maintaining a healthy, decay-free mouth. But, beyond the basics, you can really boost your dental routine with a few simple steps.
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 mouthwash options that may work better for you. We’ve listed some of our dental product favorites in this blog post.
Time Your Brushing
Most people know they need to brush their teeth at least twice a day, but are they brushing for the correct amount of time? Brushing your teeth for a full two minutes is the best way to ensure you have enough time to clean all your teeth, your gums and your tongue. Two minutes of time can be hard to judge however, so try setting a timer next time you brush your teeth and see if you are actually brushing for long enough. Many electric toothbrushes actually have a time setting - have you tried it out? Use it for a few days until you feel like you can accurately judge the amount of time. Or just keep using it - better safe than sorry, right?
Schedule your next Cleaning Appointment
If it’s been 6 months (or longer) since your last cleaning, it’s time to schedule your next appointment! You should visit your dentist for a cleaning and exam twice a year to ensure your mouth is healthy and sparkling clean! Scheduling your appointment well in advance means you have more flexibility to get the day and time you prefer.
Give us a call to schedule your next appointment today!
