Your dental hygiene might not be a priority in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. But, that could change very quickly if you develop a painful cavity and can’t see a dentist. This isn’t the most normal of times, but it’s still very important to control the things you can right now. On a long list of things in these trying times is oral care.
Brush Regularly
Most dentists’ advice is to maintain a daily routine of brushing and flossing to prevent tooth decay. If you haven’t already, switch to an electric toothbrush and brush your teeth for 2 minutes. This has been shown to help with the highest levels of oral hygiene, which is crucial at a time when you can’t see your dentist for cleanings and checkups.
Use Mouthwash
You can also rinse with a non-alcohol-based mouthwash twice a day to help reduce plaque buildup leading gingivitis. Mouthwashes that have a high alcohol content can greatly disrupt the health of your oral microbiome. The best idea is to use a hydroxyapatite toothpaste.
What You Eat Is Important
It’s advisable to avoid excessive snacking, which is a habit that’s all too easy to adopt when dealing with stress and boredom that’s inherent when self-quarantining. Starchy foods or drinks can lead to acid in our mouths, which dissolves tooth surfaces, making teeth weaker
Drink Water
Good hydration is equally as important for oral health. Resist turning to unhealthy habits to manage your stress. Habits like smoking inhibit the blood supply to your gums and increase your risk for gum infections while exposure to alcohol can dry out the cells in your cheeks and gums.
Watch What You Chew
Constantly chewing on ice, pen caps, or even your fingernails can cause your teeth to chip or break. Most dentists also recommend avoiding hard foods that can crack or damage your teeth or fillings like popcorn, peanut brittle, and sticky candy.
Disinfect Your Toothbrush
Remember to also disinfect your toothbrush as it’s very quite likely to transmit viruses, especially when kept in the washroom. So, from time to time, it’s a good idea to soak your toothbrushes in a mixture of mouthwash and hydrogen peroxide to keep them clean and disinfected.