Now that the sun is starting to show more of itself, and March is nearly here, you may officially have spring cleaning on the brain. After a long winter you might even be excited about giving the house some much needed attention and scrubbing. What about your smile, though? Before you head off on spring break, much less summer vacations, make sure your smile is in tip top shape by giving your dental care routine an overdue spring cleaning of its own!
Is It Time for a New Toothbrush?
It might seem obvious, but it doesn’t do much good to brush your teeth with a broken, or even damaged toothbrush. This is why dentists recommend swapping out your brush at least once every three to four months. That said you should also buy a new brush anytime you’ve been sick, or if the toothbrush has come into contact with germs other than your own (if your dog got a hold of it, for example).
What About Toothpaste?
If you have been using the same toothpaste for some time, it’s important to ask yourself – and your dentist – if it is actually a good choice for you. The best toothpastes are effective at cleaning, but gentle enough that they don’t damage the teeth’s enamel.
Sadly, many pastes are actually too abrasive to be safe. Whitening toothpastes, in particular, could lead to heightened tooth sensitivity, especially with prolonged use.
For dramatic whitening, professional treatment is often the best option, as it offers efficient brightening without prolonged exposure to products that can lead to uncomfortable tooth sensitivity.
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