When the weather warms up, we naturally want to open the windows and give our homes a deep scrub. While you clear out the clutter, do not forget to give your smile the same attention. A fresh season is the perfect time to evaluate your brushing habits and set yourself up for a healthy year.
A “spring teeth cleaning” refers to a seasonal, comprehensive refresh of your oral hygiene routine. This process involves getting a professional dental cleaning, replacing worn-out toothbrushes, and deep cleaning tools like toothbrush holders. Doing this removes winter buildup and ensures optimal oral health. Key tips for success include scheduling a biannual exam, using floss to reach hidden bacteria, and replacing brush heads every three to four months.
Essential Spring Dental Tips
Refreshing your routine at home is the best way to prevent cavities. Follow these simple steps to keep your teeth and gums in top shape:
- Replace Your Toothbrush: Replace your toothbrush or electric brush head, especially if the bristles are frayed or if you have recently been sick.
- Schedule a Professional Cleaning: Visit your dentist to remove accumulated tartar and plaque that daily brushing cannot eliminate.
- Clean Your Tools: Sanitize your toothbrush holder and holder base, as these are often overlooked areas where harmful bacteria grow.
- Upgrade Your Hygiene Habits: Ensure you are actively brushing for two minutes twice a day and flossing daily.
- Check Expiration Dates: Check the expiration dates on your mouthwash, toothpaste, and other dental products. Toss anything that is expired.
- Incorporate Alternatives: For better cleaning between your teeth, consider using interdental brushes or water flossers instead of traditional string floss.
Post-Deep Cleaning Care Instructions
Sometimes, a standard cleaning is not enough to get your gums back to a healthy state. If your spring cleaning involves a “deep cleaning” (clinically known as scaling and root planing), your gums will need a little extra care. Follow these instructions for a smooth recovery:
- Pain Management: Take over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, before the anesthetic completely wears off.
- Rinse: Use a warm salt-water rinse (mix ½ teaspoon of salt in 8 oz. of warm water) two to three times per day to aid the healing process.
- Gentle Care: Use a soft toothbrush and be very gentle when brushing. Slight bleeding is completely normal for the first few days.
- Dietary Restrictions: Avoid eating sharp, hard, crunchy, or heavily spicy foods for a few days to protect your tender gums.
- Sensitivity Care: Use a desensitizing toothpaste like Sensodyne or a fluoride gel if you experience heightened sensitivity to cold temperatures.
- Tobacco Restriction: Avoid using any tobacco products, including smoking, vaping, or chewing, for at least 24 hours to promote proper healing.
Spring Dental Specials to Optimize Your Smile
At Hillside Dental, we want to help our patients achieve the healthiest, brightest smiles possible. We know that affordable care is a huge part of maintaining your oral health. To help you celebrate the season, we are thrilled to offer exclusive dental specials to our community.
Take advantage of these promotions to transform your smile:
- $50 New Patient Exams & X-Rays: New to our practice? Get a comprehensive dental exam and a full set of X-rays for just $50.
- Dental Buddies (2-for-1 Dental Care): Bring a friend or family member along and enjoy our two-for-one dental care special.
- Teeth Whitening: Erase deep stains and walk out with a beautifully brightened smile.
- Invisalign: Straighten your teeth comfortably without the hassle of metal braces. Ask our team for details!
We also offer many flexible insurance and financing options so you can get the care you need without the financial stress.
Schedule Your Next Dental Visit Today
Do not wait for a toothache to prioritize your oral health. Take control of your smile this season and give your teeth the professional care they deserve.
Hillside Dental recently moved! We invite you to visit our brand-new, comfortable facility.
Reach out to our friendly team today to claim your spring specials and schedule your next appointment. We look forward to seeing you smile!
Call Us Today!
915-500-3643
Visit Our Office:
Hillside Dental
9040 Dyer Suite 102
El Paso, TX 79904