(Newswire.net — May 23, 2020) —
Proper dental care is important even when you are sheltering in place. Many dental offices are only seeing patients for emergencies, and you should do what you can to take care of your teeth during this time.
Floss Daily No Matter What
You may think flossing isn’t that important since your dentist probably recommends that you do it only once per day. However, failing to do so will lead to gum issues and cavities. Food can get trapped under your gums, and your toothbrush won’t be able to remove it. Make it a point to floss daily no matter what. Make sure that you are flossing properly. Take your time, and don’t rush when you are flossing your teeth.
Be Consistent With Brushing
You probably have a lot on your mind right now. This can cause you to forget to brush your teeth. Unfortunately, this can drastically affect your oral health. You need to brush at least twice a day in order to remove plaque from your teeth. If you don’t, cavities can start to form. It may be difficult to get to the dentist during this time, and you don’t want to end up having a dental emergency because you weren’t consistent with brushing your teeth.
Make Sure You Clean Your Toothbrush
Most people don’t even think about cleaning their toothbrush. They are surprised to find that their toothbrush can be very dirty. This is especially true if you keep it near your toilet. Fecal matter can rise into the air when you flush and get on your toothbrush. You either need to move your toothbrush away from your toilet or close the lid when you flush it. You can disinfect your toothbrush by soaking it in a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and mouthwash.
Be Mindful About What You Eat
Many of us are struggling with our diet right now. We may be eating foods that we wouldn’t normally, and this can be harmful to your oral health. Try not to eat food out of boredom. Avoid sugary foods and drinks and items that are starchy. They can contribute to plaque building up on your teeth and cause tooth erosion. Try to stay away from sticky or hard foods as well. They can damage your teeth or cause fillings to dislodge.
Drink Enough Water
When you eat, tiny particles of food are left in your mouth and on your teeth and gums. This can contribute to the formation of cavities. You can eliminate some of these food particles by drinking enough water. Strive to drink at least eight glasses of water each day.
Quit Smoking
Smoking isn’t only bad for your lungs. It is harmful to your gums and teeth as well. It puts you at an increased risk for gum infections as it inhibits the blood supply to them. Smoking can also cause your teeth to turn yellow.
Avoid Chewing On Items Other Than Food
It’s not uncommon for some individuals to chew on things like their fingernails or pens. Unfortunately, this can cause your teeth to chip. If you find yourself chewing on objects other than food, try to break the habit. Distract yourself, or opt for a piece of sugarless gum instead.
While this is an uncertain time, you still need to communicate with your dentist if you think there is a problem. Don’t forego treatment because you don’t want to leave your home. Dentist offices are taking numerous precautions in order to keep their patients safe. This may involve having patients wait in the car until it’s their turn to be examined, wearing masks in the office and sterilizing chairs after each patient. Keep in mind that what you do now will greatly impact your dental health for the rest of your life.