Spring Clean Your Oral Hygiene

The clocks have gone forward, daffodils are in bloom and we can finally pack away the big winter coat and swap it for a lighter jacket. Yes, spring has finally sprung and after a long winter, everyone's mood is lifted and everything becomes more cheerful. It's that time of year to get everything in order and spring clean your life - the office, your wardrobe, the toys that the kids have outgrown, so why not also think about giving your mouth a spring clean? Here are a few simple steps: Step 1: Review your daily oral hygiene routine  Brushing our teeth becomes second nature and we may find that we fall into habits that mean our teeth don't get a proper, thorough clean. Therefore remember to brush twice a day for 2 minutes, with a fluoride toothpaste and spend 30 seconds on each quarter section of the mouth. Remember not to rinse your mouth with water straight after brushing, as you wash away the protective layer of fluoride. Brushing alone won’t prevent plaque build up so remember to also floss to clean in between your teeth and scrape your tongue to remove bacteria and the coating on your tongue. Not only is brushing, flossing and cleaning your tongue essential for a healthy mouth, it also improves bad breath, so you're left with spring fresh breath all day! Step 2: Time for a new toothbrush? Toothbrushes have a lifetime of 3-4 months, so even if the bristles still look new and not frayed, the effectiveness to brush your teeth properly does go down. Buy a new brush but don’t toss out the old one; use it to help you spring clean other parts of your house, e.g. your computer keyboard or around the sink taps. Step 3: Visit our lovely hygienists  Our dental hygienists, Farha Nathu, Kim Doheny & Kim Chambers work alongside the other members of our dental team to give preventative dental health and also treat gum disease. This includes professionally cleaning your teeth with a ‘scale and polish’, which removes plaque and tartar; just like a really deep spring-clean. They also show you the best way to keep your teeth free of plaque, give advice about diet and preventing tooth decay. Step 4: Eat healthy New Year’s isn’t the only time to think about your diet and food choices, but why not take this spring-time opportunity to consciously cut down on your sugar intake like fizzy drinks, alcohol, sweets etc and replace them with healthier alternatives. Step 5: Whiten your smile A bright, white smile can make you feel confident and give you a spring in your step, so book a free teeth whitening consultation with one of our dentists to check tooth and gum condition and to identify the most appropriate whitening treatment for your teeth.