Is it safe to say yet? Do you think we’ve seen the last of the snow and ice and cold, wintry winds? I know the team here at Brinkley Dental sure hopes so. We’d love to shout from the rooftops “It’s Spring” and be confidant that it’s true. In fact, the day we sat down to write this blog the sun was shining, there was a hint of warmth in the air and we even noticed a few green shoots from early spring blooming flowers just starting to poke their way through the dirt. So we are declaring it Spring here in the Brampton Brinkley Dental Office and with that in mind, we thought we’d talk a bit about “spring cleaning” from a dental perspective.
Spring cleaning isn’t just for the house although many of us use spring as a great excuse to throw open the windows, hang out the rugs to air and give the windows a clean. But spring is also a great opportunity to think about refreshing “all things dental” too. Here’s what we mean:
- Schedule a spring cleaning. A hygienist cleaning that is! Make an appointment for you and/or your family members to have a cleaning done so you’re summer ready with a smile that shines brighter than the sun!
- Freshen up. Spring is a perfect time to treat yourself to a new toothbrush. The CDA recommends changing out your toothbrush for a new one every few months (three to be exact) so spring cleaning in the bathroom should include new toothbrushes for the whole family.
- Store your toothbrushes upright and not touching one another so that they can dry completely between each use and to fight the spread of germs. That will help keep things “spring like fresh” every day.
- Still in the bathroom you might also want to consider a deep clean of the toothbrush holder. Whether you use a cup, a special holder with holes for each family members toothbrush or have them hanging from a special shelf or hook – wherever you store your brushes could probably do with a deep clean too. Use a mild solution of white vinegar and water or baking soda and water (made into a paste) and let things soak in hot water for a while. Give it all a good rinse when you’re done but by using natural products you’re helping to ensure safety for all.
- Don’t stop at toothbrushes. Floss should also be switched out and if you aren’t doing this already (and we really, really hope you are) and you use a glass for swishing and rinsing, make sure you switch that glass out too. Give it a run through the dishwasher or some really hot, soapy water! To be honest, it’s the little things that sometimes lead to trouble and perhaps you think this cup is rinsed every day and what’s the big deal but anything that goes in or near your mouth should be regularly (and thoroughly) cleaned.
With your mouth feeling fresh and your Dental visit taken care of, you might feel inspired to return home and give the whole house the sparkling clean treatment! If you don’t – that’s ok too. It’s spring – get out and enjoy the fresh air, go for a walk and smile confidently at all your neighbours and friends while you do, knowing that your smile is as fresh as the daisies that will soon be blooming brightly! Happy Spring and if you celebrate Passover or Easter we wish you many blessings on these special occasions. Hope to see you soon and in the meantime, “don’t forget to be a BFF with your mouth and Brush that SMILE!”
