If you’re diligent about routine dental visits to keep your smile healthy, you’re probably wondering about the next time you’ll be able to see your dentist. During this uncertain situation, it’s easy to panic and get anxious about what could happen. Thankfully, your oral health is completely in your control! That’s why your dentist in Portage wants to pass along some pro tips for how you can keep your smile healthy during quarantine. Keep reading to learn more.
The Right Way to Brush
You may be brushing, but are you cleaning your smile the right way? Be sure to brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each session. You can angle your toothbrush at 45-degrees for the most effective way to clean off plaque and bacteria. Also, you should avoid overbrushing your teeth—scrubbing them to the point that you start to wear away your enamel. Instead, think of brushing each tooth as a comfortable massage.
Don’t Forget to Floss
While brushing often gets the spotlight when it comes to at home oral healthcare, flossing is just as important! Throughout the day, food debris and plaque get caught in between your teeth, which can lead to tooth decay, cavities, and even gum disease. That’s why you should always be sure to floss at least once a day! If you have dexterity issues that limit your flossing, a great alternative is pre-strung floss picks. They’re disposable, easy to use, and still effective at removing bits of food from your smile.
Watch Out for Sugar
In addition to routine brushing and flossing, the items you eat can have a serious impact on your oral health. Treats and sweets contain sugar that interacts with the bacteria in your mouth to create acids and eat away at the smile. So, instead of putting your teeth at risk, you can try eating fruits and veggies instead. These are not only good for your body, but they act as natural toothbrushes, creating saliva flow and scrubbing away sticky plaque. If you simply must indulge, try drinking sugary beverages through a straw, or eat chocolate because it washes away easier than other sweets.
Drink More Water
One of the easiest yet helpful steps you can take to keep your smile clean is drinking water. Most tap water contains fluoride, which is a naturally occurring mineral that helps strengthen teeth and fight cavities. Plus, water stimulates saliva flow and washes away lingering food debris after meals. By simply substituting water for your favorite soda, you’ll be saving your teeth from getting coated in sugary liquid while strengthening them with fluoride!
Are you ready to take on quarantine for a healthy smile? There’s no need to worry! Just use these tips so you can pickup exactly where you left off with your dentist once this is all over.
About the Practice
At Advanced Dental Concepts, Dr. Hayes and Dr. Hansen want to give their patients the information they need to stay healthy. While they have closed their doors to help prevent the spread of the virus, they are ready to help in your time of need if you have a dental emergency. For any questions, they can be reached through their website or by phone at (219) 763-6878.