Around this time every year, you spend hours and hours deep cleaning the house. This colossal undertaking can occupy several weekends, but the end results are so satisfying. Still, no matter the time of year, you have chores that need to be completed to keep your home in good shape.
When it comes to your smile, it’s best to clean it regularly, not just sporadically or annually. You may already brush your teeth, but what other things can you do to give them a good spring cleaning? Now is the perfect time to get back into good habits for a strong, brilliant smile!
Daily Flossing
If you only brush your teeth, there are still plenty of areas where bits of food and plaque can linger. Specifically in between your teeth, bacteria tend to hide and accumulate, which is why you should floss at least once every day. By implementing this habit into your oral care routine, you can prevent serious issues from developing in the first place.
Mouthwash
Although mouthwash isn’t a necessity, it can be helpful for keeping your mouth clean. For instance, antibacterial mouthwashes are particularly useful for reducing your chances of developing gum disease and other infections, and varieties containing fluoride are specially formulated to strengthen your teeth against cavities.
Diet Changes
If you have kids, you’ve probably had to tell them not to make a mess in the house when you’ve just cleaned up. Basically, a similar principle applies to your mouth. Depending on your choices, the foods and drinks you consume can “mess up” your teeth and gums by introducing sugar or starch, which bacteria love. They then create an acidic environment in the mouth, increasing your odds of damage to your smile. On the flip side, when you make healthy decisions in your diet, the “mess” isn’t quite as bad and is much easier to clean up afterward.
When to See a Professional
Everyone, even those who are diligent in their hygiene routine at home, needs to visit the dentist at least every six months for a professional cleaning and checkup. Little bits of food or plaque can be easy to miss, and over time these deposits build up and harden, potentially leading to decay or infection. Your dentist has the right equipment and training to remove these deposits before they harm your smile.
For some, especially those who haven’t seen a dentist in a long time, a gum infection called gum disease can set in. In more advanced cases, even a professional cleaning may not be enough to clear out the hardened plaque and bacteria. More intensive treatment called scaling and root planing is required to get the infection under control and your smile back on track.
In the end, your smile is much easier to maintain than your house, and keeping it clean gives you peace of mind and confidence that makes all the time and effort worth it! If your teeth need some spring cleaning, start now and let your smile be sparkly clean all year round.
About the Author
After graduating from the University of Pittsburgh with his doctorate degree, Dr. Thomas Novak completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry program at the Maricopa Institute of Health Services Hospital in Phoenix, AZ. From an early age, he learned how rewarding helping people have strong smiles can be, and he enjoys making a difference in his patients’ lives. If you would like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Novak, you can contact Seahurst Park Dentistry in Burien online or by calling 206-244-4622.
