Oral Hygiene Springtime Reset

When it comes to Oklahoma weather, there’s one thing you can count on—seasons tend to change overnight. Despite the temperature playing mind games with us all, springtime has a way of sparking a need for renewal. Not only do we get that urge to clean out the flowerbeds, wash the windows, or clean out the forgotten closet, but we also get that undeniable urge to refresh our personal health.

For those of us who lost track of our New Year’s resolutions, it’s time for a restart! Sometimes it comes in the form of a new workout routine, and for others, it can be as simple as refreshing your daily oral hygiene practices.

Want some tips on how to refresh your oral care routine, or break those bad dental habits? Here are five tips to help you enhance your smile this spring!

1. Schedule a professional dental cleaning.

Your dentist should be the first step to protecting your teeth. You might think of a dental cleaning as just an in-depth tooth-brushing session, but it’s much more than that. During a professional cleaning, your dentist will remove the plaque and tartar from the surface of your teeth. This is a vital step that can’t be done with a toothbrush at home. Throughout the visit, your dentist will also check for any potential problems. This way, you can work together to solve the issue before it requires a costly procedure.

Remember, your dental team is here to support you, to be a partner in your oral health journey! We have helpful tips to ensure your teeth are the best they can be.

1. Update your oral hygiene tools.

Toothbrush Rules

The goal is to brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time, and to floss at least once each day. But if you think back, how long has it been since you got a new toothbrush? To avoid bacteria build up, switch out your toothbrush every two to three months.

If you’re still using a classic manual brush, one way to up your oral hygiene routine is to upgrade to an electric toothbrush. You might even find that you want to brush your teeth with the help of your new toy!

Fluoride Protection

When it comes to toothpaste, fluoride is important. Think of fluoride as an extra shield of protection for your teeth. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral in lakes, rivers, and oceans. It’s frequently added to our drinking water to help boost cavity prevention. Ensuring we use toothpaste with fluoride takes our oral care routine to the next level.

3. Incorporate a healthy, teeth-friendly diet.

We all know that a healthy diet goes a long way toward protecting our bodies. This also goes for our teeth. Eating foods filled with sugar doesn’t do our teeth any favors; sugar sticks to the teeth and eats away at the enamel.

If you want a healthy snack that’ll make your entire body happy, including your teeth, reach for those crunchy fruits and vegetables. Celery, apples, and carrots are just a few examples. These are filled with vitamins, such as Vitamin A, which help strengthen the enamel, while the crunchiness helps increase saliva flow, thereby whisking away unwanted bacteria.

Enjoy those sugary snacks and drinks in moderation, as they can lead to tooth decay. Reach for a glass of water or nutrient-filled snacks instead. Your teeth will thank you!

4. Reinforce the importance of daily flossing.

When it comes to an oral health routine, flossing is often shoved to the side. But this step is vital to caring for your teeth! A flossing session targets areas that a toothbrush can’t reach, getting hidden food particles and plaque out of your mouth.

If you are one of the many people who forgets to floss your teeth, you can try to set an alarm on your phone, or even make a reward chart to motivate you. Another option would be to invest in a water flosser. These can make flossing just a little more fun, making it more likely that you will take the time to do it every day.

5. Embrace mouthwash for added protection.

If you don’t regularly use mouthwash in your routine, give it a try! Mouthwash is an excellent way to reduce bacteria, freshen breath, and provide additional protection against cavities and gum disease. Mouthwash isn’t a replacement for brushing and flossing your teeth; it’s an extra barrier against tooth decay.

If you have a sensitive mouth, give alcohol-free mouthwash options a try. These might just do the trick to helping you level up your oral health game.

It’s about more than just aesthetics.

Taking care of your mouth is about more than just maintaining an aesthetically pleasing smile. It’s an intricate part of your overall well-being. After all, your oral health is a key part of you.
Taking even a single step toward better dental health can go a long way to boosting your smile. Don’t be afraid to reach out to us at Sheppard Family Dental Care with any concerns you may have. We strive to create personalized care for all of our patients, and look forward to helping your smile be the best it can be.