Warren Dentist Explains How to Keep Your Oral Care Up to Date This Fall

With the changing of the seasons, it can be a good time to sit back and think about where we have been and where we want to go. It is also a good time to do some house keeping and to see what areas of your life need to be refreshed. Here in Southeast Michigan, the cold of winter can keep many people inside so it’s best to do some of those necessary tasks before you go into hibernation until the spring. For many people, the list of to-dos includes yard work and general housework. But what about your health? When it comes to oral health, the fall is a great time to make sure everything is right where it should be – especially before Halloween candy goes on sale! If you haven’t thought of your oral health in a while, here are some things you should think about before the winter comes in full force.

1. Does Your Toothbrush Need Replacing?

Many people are in the good habit of replacing their toothbrush before it gets out of hand, but quite a few go weeks or even months using an old, worn out brush. As your toothbrush ages and the bristles wear down, it becomes less and less effective in getting all the bacteria out of your mouth. You should be spending a significant amount of time brushing your teeth, so don’t you want to make sure your efforts aren’t going to waste? If your toothbrush doesn’t look anything like it did when you first got it and the color strip is completely worn out, it may be time for a new one.

2. Check Your Mouthwash and Dental Floss

Many people aren’t aware of the fact that mouthwash can expire. When your mouthwash expires, it will not have the taste it’s intended to have and will not be as effective. Again, you want to make sure your mouthwash use efforts aren’t going to waste. While dental floss may have a longer shelf life, now would be a good time to make sure you have enough floss for the foreseeable future. You probably don’t want to be making store runs on a cold winter’s night for dental floss, so take this opportunity to stock up!

3. Schedule an Appointment with Your Dental Professional

It’s important to see your dental professional for routine check ups at least once every 6 months. Even if you think everything is in great shape, it’s still a good idea to get a routine cleaning and make sure everything is working as it should be. If you do have any issues you would like to bring up with your dental professional, it’s always best to address them sooner rather than later.