These past few months, COVID-19 has made lasting changes on our daily lives. While your regularly scheduled dental check-up may have been canceled or pushed back during quarantine, your dental health is still high-priority. Whether you missed an appointment as a result of coronavirus, or are still playing it safe and waiting to reschedule, here are 10 tips to keep your teeth healthy at home until you can come back and see us.
10.) Don’t Forget to Floss
According to the American Dental Association, flossing is essential. It removes plaque from hard-to-reach places that could lead to cavities or gum diseases. Regular flossing can keep you healthy between trips to the dentist.
9.) Drink More Water
Dry mouth is not only an unpleasant sensation, but it’s also harmful to your teeth. When you aren’t producing enough saliva (which contains phosphate, calcium, & fluoride to strengthen and clean your teeth) you could be at risk of tooth decay. Drinking water decreases your likelihood of experiencing dry mouth.
8.) Add More Fruits & Vegetables Into Your Diet
Crisp produce, like apples, celery, and carrots help clean plaque from your teeth and freshen your breath. While they’re no substitute for regular brushing, these tasty snacks can satisfy your hunger and improve your dental health at the same time.
7.) Brush Your Tongue
If you don’t like bad breath, don’t forget to brush your tongue! Bacteria buildup on your tongue can cause those undesirable morning-breath odors, as well as gum disease and other germs that can spread throughout your body.
6.) Avoid Sugary Food & Drinks
When sugar molecules combine with saliva and bacteria in your mouth, it forms plaque. Plaque breaks down the enamel of your teeth, causing cavities that are sometimes painful. Make sure to avoid food and drinks with high sugar content so your smile can stay happy, healthy, and free of holes.
5.) Don’t Cover Your Toothbrush
While it might seem like a good idea to contain your mouth germs, putting a cover on your toothbrush can actually create a better environment for more bacteria to grow. Make sure you rinse your toothbrush and allow it to dry between uses, so as not to put potentially harmful bacteria into your mouth during your next brushing session.
4.) Use Fluoride In Some Way, Shape, or Form
Fluoride helps strengthen your teeth, fight cavities, and even reverse early tooth decay. You can use this website to check to see if your community’s water contains fluoride, as well as use toothpaste or mouthwash that contains the right amount to keep your teeth healthy.
3.) Wear a Mouthguard at Night
If you grind your teeth or clench your jaw when you’re stressed, you might consider getting a nightguard. They put a barrier between your teeth to lighten tension and cushion your jaw muscles. Not only does it prevent jaw and face pain, but it also protects your teeth’s enamel.
2.) Don’t Over-Whiten
Most teeth-whitening strips contain hydrogen peroxide, which, if used too often, can damage dentin (the middle layer of your teeth). Not only that but if used too often, strips can cause sensitivity and even pain to your teeth and gums. Stick to brushing twice a day and your smile will be just as beautiful!
1.) Remember to Brush Twice a Day
There are plenty of reasons to brush your teeth twice a day: it prevents bad breath, gets rid of damage-causing bacteria and plaque, removes stains, and more. Continue to brush between your dental appointments so that you’re healthy and good to go for your next appointment.
Remember that a healthy smile is a happy smile. At times like these when it’s difficult to make it to the dentist for your recommended two checkups per year, there are always things you can do on your own to maintain your dental health.
If you missed an appointment and would like to schedule one, request an appointment via text message or our website for an easy, safe, and healthy experience.
