With dental offices closing for non-essential and non-emergency care, amid the coronavirus pandemic, at-home dental care is vital to ensuring proper dental health and maintaining your beautiful smile.
Practicing the right habits at home will continue to ensure proper oral hygiene and healthy gums.
Tip #1: Don’t Apply Excess Force When Brushing
Apply excess force when brushing is not good for your teeth. Doing so will damage the outer protective enamel layer and could lead to cavities. It is better to use a gentle force and move the toothbrush in round circular motions.
Tip #2: Don’t Brush Too Often
You only need to brush twice a day to keep plaque under control. The only time you should brush longer is if you are instructed to do by your dentist. For example, you are using Invisalign to straighten your teeth. Then, you do need to brush after eating meals before putting your aligners back in.
Tip #3: Use the Right Toothbrush
A soft-bristled toothbrush is best. You don’t need hard bristles to remove plaque. An electric toothbrush is even better if you find that you have trouble using gentle pressure or problems holding a manual toothbrush.
Tip #4: Floss Once a Day
Flossing is essential to remove trapped food particles and plaque from in between the teeth. You should floss at night before going to bed. Gently work the floss in between each tooth and move it up and down along each inside surface.
Tip #5: Drink More Water
Skip sugary sodas and soft drinks and drink more water. Water not only helps keep the gums moist but is also better for the teeth.
Tip #6: Spend Time Helping Your Children
Now is a great time to spend with your children and monitoring how they brush. Helping your children brush correctly and for two minutes will pay off with fewer cavities and dental problems later.
Tip #7: Avoid Brushing After Eating or Drinking Acidic Foods and Beverages
Certain foods and beverages are acidic, such as soft drinks, sports drinks, certain juices, tomato-based products, and so on. These acids soften the enamel layer on the teeth. If you brush right away, you could brush the enamel away, leaving the teeth prone to tooth decay.
The body naturally neutralizes the acids through saliva, but it does take about 30 minutes to an hour. So, you should wait at least an hour before brushing your teeth.
Tip #8: Give Up Bad Oral Habits
Start working on giving up bad oral habits like smoking, vaping, chewing on your fingernails, chewing on ice, chewing on pencils, and so on. These bad habits can damage the teeth and gums. Never use your teeth for anything other than eating food.
Tip #9: Call Your Dentist with Concerns/Emergencies
If you experience tooth pain, lose a filling, or have another dental emergency or other concerns, call your dentist. Dental offices are still open for essential dental care services, including Kennedy Square Dental.
Call us at (905) 789-7339 today if you have further questions.
Tags: Dental Care Tips, Dental Emergency, Home Dental Care