Serving patients of Erwin, Jonesborough, and Greeneville TN
The beginning of spring reminds us of a fresh start as trees bud, and flowers bloom. This new season may even invoke a spring-cleaning frenzy as you clean areas of your home that you don’t ordinarily. But there’s one thing else that needs cleaning this spring – your teeth! Today on the blog, our general dentists in Greeneville at Tusculum Dental Care share spring cleaning tips for your oral health.
Change your toothbrush
Toothbrushes have their work cut out for them. The American Dental Association recommends swapping your old toothbrush for a new one at least once every three months or after you’ve been sick to prevent reinfecting yourself. Worn-out toothbrushes aren’t as effective, and you may be leaving plaque and bacteria behind on your teeth if your toothbrush’s bristles are splayed or frayed. If you can’t remember when the last time was that you got a new toothbrush, toss your current one out and start with a fresh new one.
Schedule a checkup and cleaning
Everyone should get a dental cleaning and checkup at least twice a year or once every six months. Your dentist might recommend more frequent visits if you’re combatting gum disease or are at a higher risk of developing cavities. Spring is the perfect time to schedule your six-month checkup and cleaning and ensure your oral health is in tip-top shape before the summer. These twice-yearly visits allow the dentist an opportunity to catch issues such as a loose or broken filling, cavities developing, or other issues that could send you to an emergency dentist while on summer vacation.
Start flossing your teeth every day
If you aren’t already, you should floss your teeth daily, preferably after your last meal of the day. Flossing is the equivalent of brushing between your teeth. So, if flossing isn’t a part of your daily oral hygiene regimen, there’s no better time to start than now! Make sure you floss correctly by wrapping each end of the floss around your pointer finger. Using your thumbs, glide (don’t pop) the floss between each set of teeth, moving the floss up and down the sides of each tooth, and complete the motion in a U-shape as you glide over the tiny flap of gum. Flossing effectively and correctly should only take a couple of minutes, and you can complete this task while finishing your favorite show on Netflix right before bed.
Schedule a professional teeth whitening treatment
White teeth are always in style! If your teeth look dingy, discolored, or stained, a professional teeth whitening will rejuvenate your smile and help you have a fresher look. You might be tempted to splurge on store-bought whitening kits or toothpaste, but those usually only provide subpar results and won’t make a noticeable difference in most cases. For dramatic results, opt for professional teeth whitening in Greeneville at Tusculum Dental Care.
General Dentists in Greeneville, Jonesborough, and Erwin, Tennessee
Spring is the perfect time to refresh your smile and amp up your oral hygiene routine. If you need to schedule an appointment or want to learn more ways to protect your oral health, call Tusculum Dental Care at (423) 639-7575. We are conveniently located in Greeneville, accessible by residents living in Jonesborough and Erwin, Tennessee.