Can you remember the last time you got a new toothbrush or checked the expiration date on your mouthwash? If not, then now is a great time to spring clean your dental care routine! If you’re not sure how to, keep reading for five easy steps you can take to do so easily and thoroughly.
Step #1: Organize Your Medicine Cabinet
Whether you use a medicine cabinet or keep all of your supplies under your sink, it’s a good idea to start there. In addition to taking a look at the expiration dates, throw away anything that you don’t use. It’s also smart to take inventory of what you need, like backup toothbrushes, so you are never left in a pinch.
Step #2: Buy a New Toothbrush or Toothbrush Head
You wouldn’t use a filthy sponge to clean your dishes, right? For the same reason, you shouldn’t use a dirty toothbrush to clean your teeth. In fact, you should replace your toothbrush (or toothbrush head) every three months or so for that very reason.
Tip: Make sure that the toothbrush you buy has soft bristles!
Step #3: Deep-Clean Your Bathroom Counter
You may wipe down your bathroom counter frequently, but when was the last time you cleaned the wall around the sink, behind the faucet, or the faucet itself? If you can’t remember, then now is a great time to deep-clean the area. Remember, even if it looks clean at a glance, countless bacteria and germs could be on the surface!
Step #4: Wash Your Toothbrush Holder
In the process of cleaning your bathroom counter, don’t forget to clean the things that you keep on top of it, including your toothbrush holder. Some warm water and soap should do the trick but that may not work if there is caked-on toothpaste, saliva, and the like. In that case, we recommend buying a new one and making an active effort to clean it more regularly.
Step #5: Schedule Your Next Teeth Cleaning
Of course, your teeth and gums need a good clean too! So, if you haven’t already, visit your dentist for your first dental checkup and teeth cleaning of the year. This ensures that plaque and tartar are removed from your teeth and the hard-to-reach areas of your mouth are cleaned, preventing oral health problems like tooth decay and gum disease in the process.
About the Practice
Our goal at Antoon Family Dental is to help patients in Plano with all of their dental needs, including routine dental checkups and teeth cleanings! At your biannual visits to our office, we will also provide you with helpful information on how to keep your smile healthy at home and answer any questions you have about your oral health. If you’d like to schedule an appointment, visit our website or call (972) 640-6229.