Spring cleaning isn’t just about clearing the gutters and tidying up the house. Spring is also the perfect time to refresh your oral health as you prepare for the warmer months. A new season is the perfect time to schedule your biannual checkup with a dental professional to undergo a cleaning and receive a full report about your oral health.

In this article, we’ll discuss how and why spring is a great time for an oral hygiene reset, as well as go over some dental-related challenges that come with the changing of the season. 

Embracing the Season of Renewal for Your Oral Health

Spring is a time of renewal and reset. As we escape the harsh winter and enter into a warmer season, it’s a great opportunity for our mind and body to start anew. When it comes to oral health, this can mean starting better cleaning habits and scheduling your next checkup with a dentist. 

Seasonal Mindset

Spring’s energy can provide a psychological boost and extra motivation to get things done. The new season can also help you break bad habits and embrace healthier ones. When it comes to oral health, this can include things like: 

• Flossing regularly 
• Replacing sugary or sticky foods with fruits and vegetables 
• Scheduling your next checkup with a dentist 
• Staying hydrated by drinking lots of water throughout the day 
• Limiting intake of tobacco and alcohol 

Biannual Dental Checkup Reminder

Most dentists advise coming in for a checkup every six months. When the season changes to spring, it’s a good reminder to schedule your next appointment so you can stay on schedule for the year. During this visit, your dentist can help catch cavities or gum inflammation.

Staying up to date on dental appointments can lead to early detection of any long-term issues, and can lead to simpler, less costly treatments in the future. 

Post-Winter Reset

Winter and the holiday season often lead to a lapse in diet and nutrition, as sugary treats and drinks are more frequent, and getting to the gym or a healthy food store can be more challenging because of the weather. 

This can lead to plaque buildup in your teeth, even if you’re a regular brusher and flosser. Dentists can help remove any excess plaque and tartar during your professional cleaning, and have your teeth in pristine condition heading into the spring.

Benefits of Scheduling Your Biannual Cleaning

There are other important benefits of scheduling your next dental cleaning. Your dentist can provide a full professional assessment of your entire oral health, and provide a deep, full-mouth cleaning that will leave your teeth polished and clean.

During your biannual checkup, dentists can check for the following important oral health concerns:

• Cavities
• Gum inflammation or disease
• Tooth dislodgement or cracks
• Tooth decay
• Jaw alignment issues
• Misaligned bite (Malocclusion) 
• Discoloration 
• Abnormalities in soft tissue (tongue and cheeks)

Routine dental visits are also an important way to screen for oral cancer, as early detection can greatly increase the chances of successful treatment. 

Deep Cleaning Benefits

During a deep cleaning, hygienists use specialized tools to clear hardened plaque and tartar that brushing alone can’t remove. Dentists also provide a thorough polish that buffs away any surface stains and leaves your teeth white and bright as the season changes. 

Insurance and Cost Efficiency

According to GoodRx, a routine dental cleaning costs around $104 for customers without insurance. However, if you have dental insurance, most plans cover a biannual cleaning — and spring is perfect for using one of these allowances. 

Staying up to date with cleanings, and taking advantage of the allowances of your insurance, can not only keep your teeth clean but also help you save down the line by tackling smaller issues now before they become a bigger concern. 

Beating the Summer Rush

Booking a dental cleaning in the spring also helps avoid the summer rush. Summer often means a busy vacation season, with guests looking to cram in dental cleanings before they travel. Summer is also a popular time for kids to have dental visits since they are out of school and parents look to complete all of their appointments before camps and trips. 

Because of all of that, booking an appointment in the summer may be more difficult. Instead, try scheduling an appointment in late winter or early spring, as there will likely be more availability at your local dentist’s office. 

Refreshing Your Daily Oral Hygiene Routine

Spring is also an excellent time to leave your bad habits in the cold and adopt newer, healthier ones. Here are some easy ways to get into better habits when it comes to your dental health. 

Replacing Toothbrushes and Tools

Replace your toothbrushes (or electric heads), every 3–4 months or after an illness. Toothbrush bristles wear out over time, and become less effective at removing plaque and bacteria. 

You may also want to consider upgrading to an electric brush if you currently use a manual one. Electric brushes remove plaque more effectively to their oscillating, vibrating motion. They can also be easier to use than manual brushes. 

Re-evaluating Your Toothpaste and Mouthwash

You should also use the changing of the season to reassess your toothpaste and mouthwash. 

Mouthwash without alcohol can help maintain moisture and reduce gum irritation. Consider switching if you’re using an alcohol-based mouthwash. 

When selecting a new toothpaste, focus on products that are fluoride-based as fluoride strengthens teeth enamel and helps prevent cavities. Additionally, you can look for toothpaste with sensitivity or whitening formulas depending on your needs and your dentist’s recommendation. Dentists at Ideal Dental recommend Toothscience which has options specifically for children and those with sensitive teeth.

Perfecting Brushing and Flossing Techniques

It’s also important to ensure you’re using the proper techniques when brushing and flossing. Brush for at least two minutes at a time, twice a day. When brushing. Focus on the gum line and hard-to-reach areas, as they may have an excess plaque buildup.

When flossing, work on removing plaque between teeth using a gentle, rubbing motion. Slide the floss carefully in between teeth, and avoid snapping it against the gums. You should look to floss at least once per day.

Healthy Spring Habits

Here are some other healthy seasonal habits you can get into this spring: 

• Eat seasonal produce: Crunchy fruits and veggies naturally clean tooth surfaces and provide vitamins for gum health. Apples, carrots, asparagus, and pineapple are all in season in the spring. 
• Stay hydrated: Warmer days call for a larger water intake to prevent dry mouth and maintain proper saliva flow. According to the Mayo Clinic, men should try to drink at least 15.5 cups of fluid per day, while women should have at least 11.5 cups per day. While not all of that needs to be covered by water, it is a healthier, more oral-friendly option compared to soda, coffee, or juice. 
• Stay Prepared: With the weather warming up, you may find yourself traveling for spring break or family vacation. To maintain your oral health on the go, plan ahead by creating a travel care kit for your teeth and mouth. Include a spare toothbrush, travel toothpaste, and mouthwash, and an extra case of floss. 

Addressing Seasonal Allergies and Oral Health

Although the spring provides a reprieve from cold and nasty weather, it can also mean the start of allergy season. Allergies can affect oral health by causing dry mouth, sore throat, and tooth pain. Here are some oral health-related issues to look out for when dealing with seasonal allergies. 

Dry Mouth Concerns

Allergy medications often have side effects that can decrease saliva flow and cause dry mouth. Dry mouth is not only uncomfortable, but it can also increase the odds of tooth decay. To combat dry mouth, drink lots of water, and try chewing sugar-free gum to increase saliva flow. You can also speak to a dental professional about specialty mouth rinses that help combat dry mouth.

Differentiating Sinus Pain from Tooth Issues

Sinus pain and tooth pain can often feel similar, but it’s important to understand the differences. Sinus pressure may feel like a toothache or sore gumline because the roots of your upper back teeth often extend toward your sinuses, and any inflammation in the sinuses can cause tooth discomfort. 

To understand if you’re experiencing sinus pain or a serious tooth issue, look to the specific area the pain is originating from. If it is behind your cheekbone, and you can feel the pain in several teeth, it’s probably the cause of sinus pressure. If pain is centralized to one tooth, it probably is related to a toothache. Tooth pain is often less consistent than sinus pain, so if you feel pain going in and out of one tooth, it’s likely a dental problem. 

Personalized Allergy Management

When combating allergies, it’s also smart to keep your dental health in mind. Fluoride products that strengthen enamel can help the onset of dry mouth caused by allergy medications. You can also try alternative treatments to clear your sinuses, such as gargling salt water or taking a steam bath or shower.

Talk to your dentist about year-long strategies for managing allergy-related oral health complications. They can tailor specific solutions for your needs and recommend allergy medications that limit the complications to your dental health. 

Schedule a Spring Cleaning Appointment at Ideal Dental

From scheduling your biannual cleaning to refreshing daily habits and managing allergies, spring is the perfect time to reinvigorate your oral care. While spring can also present some complications related to allergies, maintaining proper oral hygiene and understanding symptoms can ensure you’re able to properly manage your oral health as the flowers begin to bloom. Contact Ideal Dental today to book a spring appointment so you can embrace the new season with a healthy, happy smile.