Winter is slowly leaving us and spring is finally on its way, and if you are invigorated by the spring cleaning bug, you are at home with sweeping out the old, refreshing what’s left, and welcoming in the new.
Spring is a time for letting fresher air in, our psyches and bodies are ready for newer, vibrant energy and renewed vigor after the winter’s slower pace. As part of this renewal, remember to include your dental office in this revitalizing routine.
It’s Time for a Checkup
To remove plaque and tartar–mineralized plaque—remember to keep scheduled dental cleanings which include scaling and polishing your teeth. This procedure is necessary, because you can’t remove hardened plaque with just brushing or flossing alone. Tartar requires special dental tools to remove, and when this cleaning step is skipped, tartar can go on to attack the gums and invite gum disease.
Your dental checkup includes checking for: cavities, gum disease, oral cancer, and any other dental issues that benefit with timely treatment. We will essentially sweep your teeth clear of unwanted dental junk, similar to how you spring clean the old junk out of your home and your life. We will scrub away the sticky film that bacteria grow in (known as plaque), hardened plaque (tartar), and any oral debris left behind from the food you eat. The result? Smoother, cleaner, and whiter teeth. And to help protect your teeth from decay in between cleanings, you can ask for a fluoride treatment on your pearly whites.
Spruce up Your Smile:
–Hydrate: With the warmer weather approaching, keep cool drinking plenty of water, and if you like soda, limit consumption and use a straw to lower the acidic effect on your mouth.
–Nutrition: To have healthier teeth and gums, incorporate a healthier diet–one that is rich in vitamins and minerals which helps to prevent gum disease.
–Sunblock: Use sunblock SP15 (or higher) to stop an attack of cold sores, which are often triggered by sun exposure.
–Floss: Just like the surface of the teeth, plaque builds up under the gums, so you will need to remove it by flossing. Spring is a good time to make flossing part of your daily routine and avoid the ravages of periodontal disease.
–Toothbrush: The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends replacing your toothbrush every three to four months, and sooner if the bristles are frayed. Remember to brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes.
–Smoking Cessation: Research shows that smokers lose more teeth than non-smokers. It also contributes to oral cancer, so kick the smoking habit for a healthier mouth and a brighter smile.
If it is time for your spring cleaning, give our Houston Cosmetic & Family Dental Associates team in Spring, Texas a call at 281-826-0025 and let us help you brighten your smile again!