The COVID-19 pandemic has affected our lives in unprecedented ways. Though we have no cure or vaccine at the moment, we can’t ignore our health.
With every one of us adjusting to the new normal, it’s easy to overlook one significant aspect of our personal hygiene—oral care.
In the current crisis, taking good care of your dental health is more important than ever.
Here are 5 helpful oral hygiene tips to prevent any dental emergency during the pandemic:
1. Brush twice a day
Whether a pandemic exists or not, brushing your teeth is a necessity.
The American Dental Association suggests brushing teeth twice a day for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste.
Make a habit of brushing your teeth after waking up in the morning and right before going to sleep.
Some of the benefits of cleaning teeth are:
- Reduces the risk of cavities
- Removes food remnants and plaque
- Treats bad breath
- Maintains oral hygiene
2. Use an antibacterial mouthwash
Using an antibacterial mouthwash is the best way to keep away bad breath, remove bacteria, and maintain dental health.
Mouthwash prevents a number of oral health problems such as cavities, plaque buildup, tooth decay, and gingivitis
Above all, it strengthens the tooth enamel and protects your teeth against any harmful agents.
Pro tip: In case you have dry mouth, use non-alcoholic mouthwash, or consult your dentist.
3. Take note of your diet
Amidst the pandemic, maintaining a healthy diet is very necessary to keep up with your oral wellness.
Some of the diet tips to follow are:
- Avoid having sugary items such as soft drinks or chocolates in between meals
- Avoid eating cavity-causing food items like cookies and cereal bars
- Eat fresh vegetables and fruits
- Drink an adequate amount of water to keep yourself hydrated
- Don’t eat sticky food items like cake and chocolates
- Avoid constant snacking
- Say “NO” to junk food
- Eat food items that are rich in calcium such as almonds and beans
Having a good diet not only promotes dental health but also boosts your immunity against the virus.
4. Avoid smoking
Smoking wreaks havoc on your oral health.
Some of the adverse effects of smoking on oral health are:
- Gum diseases
- Dental plaque
- Weak or loss of teeth
- Tooth decay
- Stained teeth
- Bad breath
- Oral cancer
Avoid smoking to stay on top of your oral hygiene.
5. Floss daily
Oftentimes, people use toothpicks or their nails to get rid of food particles stuck between their teeth.
However, this can cause a toothache or can lead to a dental injury.
Flossing is an easy way to clean between your teeth and maintain that bright smile
Consult your dentist if you are finding it difficult to floss or clean your teeth.
Bonus tips:
- Use an electric or battery-operated toothbrush for effective results
- Change your toothbrush after every 3 months
- Disinfect your toothbrush daily by cleaning it with hot water for a few minutes
- Don’t forget to brush your tongue
- Rinse your mouth after every meal
- Do not self-medicate
In the end…
Though, frequent hand washing and sanitizing ensure your safety during the COVID-19 pandemic. Keeping up with your oral health is equally important to promote complete health and wellbeing.
Looking for the best dentistry in Newton, Massachusetts? We provide a range of dental services including emergency dental care, implants and composite fillings.
Call us for more information (617) 600-3442
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