{"id":192,"date":"2018-04-02T18:36:01","date_gmt":"2018-04-02T18:36:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/drgeorgetphilipdmd.com\/blog\/?p=192"},"modified":"2018-05-02T18:38:51","modified_gmt":"2018-05-02T18:38:51","slug":"dentist-in-sunnyvale","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.drgeorgetphilipdmd.com\/blog\/2018\/04\/02\/dentist-in-sunnyvale\/","title":{"rendered":"Spring Cleaning! Your Dentist Helps You Clear Out the Dental Clutter"},"content":{"rendered":"\"oralWhen you think about spring cleaning, you probably make a mental checklist of all the things you need to do. Perhaps you want to get the carpets cleaned, steam the curtains, vacuum under all the furniture, and donate all the clothes that don\u2019t fit anymore. But there is something you should add to your spring cleaning list: Clearing out your bathroom cupboard. Your dentist in Sunnyvale<\/a> helps you decide which oral hygiene products to throw away and which ones to keep.\r\n\r\n\r\n

Toothpaste<\/h2>\r\nRemember that tube of toothpaste you bought ages ago that somehow got shoved into the back of the cupboard? If it has been stuck back there collecting dust for a few years, it might be time to throw it away. Check its expiration date; if it is more than a year past that date, you should toss the toothpaste. Yes, a year. Most toothpastes are good for 12 to 18 months past their expiration date.\r\n\r\nUsing old toothpaste won\u2019t harm you, but it won\u2019t help you either. The paste may lose its effectiveness and not clean your teeth as well as it should.\r\n

Toothbrushes<\/h2>\r\nToothbrushes last an average of three to four months, but that isn\u2019t a hard and fast rule. When you notice that the bristles on your brush are frayed, or if it has become uncomfortable to use the brush, toss it out. It\u2019s also important to take a look at your kids\u2019 toothbrushes since they may not always be aware that what they\u2019re using to clean their teeth has lost some of its efficacy.\r\n

Mouthwash<\/h2>\r\nMouthwash usually stays good for two to three years after its manufacture date. Beyond that, the antiseptic in it (like the alcohol) may break down. If anything about your mouthwash doesn\u2019t look, feel, or taste right, throw it out and head to the grocery store to pick up a replacement. You may also want to throw it out if your oral health needs have changed and your family dentist in Sunnyvale has suggested that you start using a different mouth rinse.\r\n

Floss<\/h2>\r\nRegular string floss doesn\u2019t expire. However, there are a few situations where you should consider throwing out your floss and buying a different kind:\r\n