As the COVID 19 pandemic has spread across the United States, more businesses have found themselves closed for safety reasons. Unfortunately, this also includes dental offices such as us here at Midway Family Dentistry. However, even though we may be closed, we are still thinking of our patients and trying to help in whatever way we can. One of the best ways we feel this can be done is to offer sound advice on how to care for your teeth and gums during the COVID 19 pandemic. With kids and parents all being stuck at home day after day, here are some home dental care tips everyone can keep in mind to ensure their teeth and gums stay healthy until life returns to normal.
Keep Brushing and Flossing
With everyone stuck at home, we know how hard it can be to keep up with many daily routines. This is especially true with brushing and flossing, both of which are essential to good dental health. Here at Midway Family Dentistry, we always recommend you brush your teeth at least twice each day and floss at least once per day. By taking the time to brush for at least two minutes each time, you will greatly reduce the amount of plaque that can build up on your teeth.
Use Mouthwash
Along with making sure you brush and floss daily, also make sure you rinse your mouth at least twice per day with a non-alcohol based mouthwash. When you do, you will have an additional tool in your arsenal regarding corona virus dental health. By using your mouthwash you will reduce plaque buildup, which is a key component that can lead to inflamed gums, a condition known as gingivitis.
Switch to an Electric Toothbrush
If you are not already using an electric toothbrush, we recommend you consider making the switch during this unusual time in our lives. By doing so, you will not only be able to provide improved dental care to yourself while our offices are closed, but also be much more efficient and thorough when brushing. While an average toothbrush can produce around 1,000 strokes per minute, an electric toothbrush may be able to produce as many as 10,000 strokes per minute. In doing so, it can reach virtually all spots inside your mouth and do a much better job of removing plaque.
Eat a Healthy Diet
Since you are stuck at home and likely under far more stress than usual, you may be prone to snacking on many unhealthy foods that are high in sugar. When you do this, you put your corona virus dental health in serious jeopardy. After all, the last thing you need is a cavity forming when it’s not easy to gain access to a dentist’s office. To avoid this scenario, avoid starchy foods or most soft drinks, both of which create high levels of acid in our mouths which eats away at tooth enamel. For best results, stick to fresh fruits and vegetables as much as possible.
Protect Your Immune System
If you want healthy teeth and gums during the COVID 19 pandemic, try to protect your immune system every way you can. Believe it or not, your immune system is a big factor in making sure your teeth and gums remain healthy. To do so, you can do a variety of things. For starters, get plenty of sleep, since this helps your body renew itself and gain strength for the upcoming day. Also, make sure you stick to your regimen of using your non-alcohol based mouthwash. Since these mouthwashes do not harm the oral microbiomes that are essential to a healthy immune system, you can protect yourself in this way as well.
Disinfect Your Toothbrush
If you want to practice excellent corona virus dental health while your family dentist office is closed, disinfect your toothbrush on a regular basis. This will be especially important if you suspect you or other family members may have the virus. To do so, you can soak your toothbrush in a mixture of mouthwash and hydrogen peroxide. Also, try to keep your toothbrush, floss, and other related items as far away as possible from your toilet, and also close the lid on your toilet prior to flushing. Since fecal matter has been shown to contain the corona virus, keeping the lid closed will prevent the spray associated with flushing from spreading throughout your bathroom and possibly onto your toothbrush.
Since dental health is so important to your overall health, don’t take it for granted during this difficult stretch in our lives. Instead, put these practical home dental care tips into practice each and every day. By doing so, you’ll know your dental care needs will be met until you can once again visit us here at Midway Family Dentistry.
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