Tips and Tricks
Let’s “Spring Clean” Your Oral Health
Check out these tips to “spring clean” your oral health routine so your smile is healthy, vibrant, and ready for the spring!
1. Start your spring cleaning by replacing your toothbrush!
The Canadian Dental Association recommends you replace your toothbrush (or brush head, if you use an electric toothbrush) every three months, or sooner if the bristles become frayed or if you’ve been ill. When was the last time you replaced YOUR toothbrush?
Since we’re on the topic of toothbrushes, here are a few additional spring-cleaning tips:
· Never share your toothbrush.
· Store toothbrushes upright if possible so they can air-dry faster after use.
· Rinse your brush thoroughly with tap water after use.
· UV sanitizers can extend the lifespan of your toothbrush if you get frequent colds or infections
2. Spring to that floss & try something new
Do you find it tough to remember to floss every day? You may just need to try a different type of dental floss! Consider these popular variations on traditional floss:
· Waxed floss: Waxed floss is a commonly used option and comes in a variety of flavors (cinnamon, mint, bubble gum – even surprising flavors, like bacon!).
· Dental tape: Dental tape is a thin “ribbon” of floss that slides between teeth easily.
· Floss picks: Floss picks are a good option if it’s difficult or painful to open your mouth wide enough to use traditional flossing methods or if you’re on-the-go.
3. Spring into action and visit your favorite dentist and dental hygienist!
As you check things off your spring-cleaning to-do list, don’t forget to make sure you have your family’s dental visits scheduled! Early morning and after-school appointments book up fast throughout the year, so we recommend booking ahead to ensure you get a time that’s convenient for each member of your family.
4. Don’t forget that spring cleaning your routine can get you that summer smile
A freshly whitened smile may be just what you need to feel ready for spring and summer!
Spring is a time for new beginnings
Now is the perfect time to get things back on track with a fresh toothbrush, new floss options, and a dental checkup and cleaning. These quick and easy steps can help you enjoy a healthy smile throughout the season!
The Morihira Dental Team
Healthy Mouth
Healthy Heart
GOOD ORAL HEALTH = A HAPPIER HEART
THE LINK
Countless scientific research studies show an important link between your oral health and your overall health. Patients with mouth infections are more likely to have overall systemic inflammation and heart disease. There are also links between poor oral health and diabetes, strokes, and low birth weight babies. Your mouth could be making you sick!
The staff at Morihira Dental have many ways of improving your oral health. Biannual checkups and cleanings allow our dentists and hygienists to keep tabs on changes in your teeth and gums. While you may not notice a change in your dental health, we will. This allows us to start treatments to make your mouth healthy again.
THE IMPORTANCE OF A “CLEAN SLATE”
When you leave your professional teeth cleaning, your mouth is a clean slate. It is free from bacterial buildup and food debris. With those irritants out of the way, your body is able to clear up any inflammation or minor infections present in the gums.
Your job is to keep your mouth in a “clean slate” state with your home oral hygiene routine.
To keep things clean, you should adhere to the following schedule:
1. Brush your teeth twice daily: once after breakfast as you start your day, once before bedtime. Make sure your toothbrush bristles touch your gums, and use an electric toothbrush if possible.
2. Floss your teeth every night before bed. This step is absolutely essential for warding off gum disease. Flossing is the only way to remove bacteria and food from between the teeth. Brushing alone just does not cut it.
3. Use a recommended mouthwash as directed. Some are pre-brush rinses, and others need to soak onto the teeth after brushing and flossing. Ask our dental team what might be best for you.
Hopefully these tips will help you get off to a good start in 2025!
The Morihira Dental Team