Spring is officially here! Along with the shifting, warmer weather and blossoming trees and bushes (hello, allergies!), spring feels like a time of change, growth, and prosperity. Spring is a time when many of us are excited to clean out our closets, get rid of old clutter and cobwebs in the home, and start some fun projects around the house.

Do your teeth and gums need a spring cleaning?

Just like your home, your smile also benefits from making some improvement, especially after indulging in not always healthy comfort foods and beverages and celebrating Valentine’s and Easter holidays often throughout the month. Spring is a good time to get your smile in order, not just your home!

The first signs of spring mean it is time for some dental housekeeping. First, you need to replace old or fraying toothbrushes to give your teeth the cleaning and polish they deserve. Replacing your toothbrush (or toothbrush head if it is electric or battery-operated) can also help prevent bacterial or viral infections if you’ve been sick in the past few months. Check your mouthwash for the expiration date, and check out your flossing supplies if you use dental floss, tape, or floss picks. If you use a water flosser, this is a good time for a thorough cleaning.

The next item on your spring dental checklist is your routine biannual dental cleaning! The Academy of General Dentistry has confirmed that having a professional dental cleaning twice a year boosts the quality of your long-term oral health. Getting a deep dental cleaning and exam every six months keeps your teeth and gums cleaner and healthier. It can also get you ready for summer when you might be spending more time outdoors and enjoying the warmer weather, vacationing, and sharing more candid photos on your social media. The healthier your mouth, the more radiant and confident your smile!

What does your spring dental cleaning do for your smile?

Routine professional checkups and exams help us spot developing oral problems like tooth decay and gum disease in their early stages. It is the best time to treat problems because they are smaller and less costly to fix, and least invasive to treat when they are just developing. Comparing a small filling to a dental crown or root canal can make a big difference in your budget! Treating problems early also means less pain for you later, both with your mouth and your wallet.

What can you expect at your spring dental cleaning?

• Our dentist will check your teeth, gums and mouth to spot any potential problems as soon as possible.
• Your exam might include dental X-rays to see what’s going on inside your teeth and gums.
• Remove dental plaque and tartar (mineralized plaque) that has settled onto your teeth and around the gum line.
• Scale and polish your teeth with special tools, ultrasonic sound waves, and specialty toothpaste.
• Floss in between your pearly whites and gum line.
• Recommendations to help boost or restore your tooth enamel.

Coming in for your routine professional dental cleanings and exams is the perfect complement to your daily oral care. Alone, they can’t fully protect your smile, but together they fill in the missing pieces. Both are needed to keep harmful plaque and bacteria from taking over your smile! Our dentist and dental team are always happy to give you tips for your at-home dental routine, lifestyle habits, showing you how to brush and floss, and even recommending dental products tailored to your unique oral needs.

Spring is the perfect time to schedule your next dental cleaning. Treat your teeth to the care they deserve by taking time out for your teeth and smile. A healthier and brighter smile awaits you, and we welcome you to call us today!