The clocks have sprung forward, the weather is warming up, and St Albans is bursting with vibrant colours and community events. Spring is a time for fresh beginnings, making it the perfect opportunity to freshen up your smile!
Nothing feels as rejuvenating as a clean and healthy mouth. Get your oral health routine back on track this month with a new toothbrush, floss, mouthwash, healthy eating habits and perhaps a ‘scale and polish’ from one of our professionals!
Here at St Peter’s Lodge Dental Practice in St Albans we’ve put together six simple steps to set your smile up for success this season…
1. Change Your Toothbrush
Out with the old and in with the new! It’s easy to know when to replace worn-out shoes or clothes, but what about toothbrushes? We recommend replacing your toothbrush every 3–4 months. Frayed bristles won’t clean effectively and could harbour bacteria.
Sharing a toothbrush holder? If someone in your household has been unwell, it’s a good idea to replace your toothbrush as a precaution.
Top Tip: Keep spare toothbrushes for every family member in your bathroom cabinet and replace them several times a year.
2. Clear Out Old and Expired Products
Did you know that just like food in your fridge, dental products like toothpaste and mouthwash can expire? This is mainly due to that all important active ingredient, fluoride, which can become less effective at supporting healthy tooth enamel and preventing cavities over time.
Check expiry dates and replace anything past its prime. At St Peter’s Lodge Dental Practice in St Albans, our dentists are happy to recommend the best products for you and your family—just ask at your next appointment!
3. Start Flossing
Not the dance move the kids were doing a couple of years ago—though no judgement if you want to! Flossing with tape or interdental brushes cleans areas your toothbrush can miss, especially between teeth. It’s a game-changer in reducing the risk of gum disease.
As our hygienists here at St Peter’s Lodge in St Albans will tell you: Cleaning between your teeth is just as important as brushing, so next time you’re in to see us, let us show you the best techniques to get to those hard-to-reach areas.
If you’re new to flossing, begin with a few teeth each day and gradually build it up into your full routine.
It can be a good idea to floss at the same time every day, perhaps after you’ve brushed your teeth at night, to build a consistent habit.
Top Tip: Carry floss in your bag for on-the-go freshening up.
4. Clean Up Your Eating Habits
Easter can be a tough time to cut back on sweet treats (we’re all partial to a sticky hot cross bun and a chocolate bunny or two!). Consider swapping sugary snacks for darker chocolate, which is kinder to your teeth.
Add more tooth-friendly foods to your diet, like:
- Calcium-rich options: Like milk, cheese, and yogurt.
- Leafy greens: Like kale and spinach.
- Nuts and legumes: Like almonds, chickpeas, and lentils.
Avoid starchy carbs like white bread, sugary drinks, and anything that stains teeth when consumed in excess.
5. Stay Hydrated
It might sound simple, but staying hydrated is key to a healthy smile. Drinking water throughout the day washes away food particles and bacteria, preventing plaque buildup. It also combats dry mouth, a leading cause of bad breath.
Top Tip: Clean your reusable water bottle or cup regularly to avoid introducing germs to your mouth.
6. Book a Hygienist Appointment
Regular hygienist visits are essential for great dental health. They keep your teeth looking and feeling their best and help you maintain fresh breath.
Here at St Peter’s Lodge Dental Practice in St Albans, our hygienists can also teach better cleaning techniques, offer dietary advice, and provide preventative treatments like fissure sealants for children’s teeth.
Find out more about the benefits of seeing a hygienist.
Follow these six steps to keep your smile sparkling throughout spring and beyond.
Brush twice daily, replace your toothbrush & dental products regularly, floss, eat well, and consider booking a hygienist visit after Easter festivities.
Spring into action by contacting our friendly team today. Give us call 01727 853160, visit us in person on Adelaide Street, or book online.
