The global pandemic has led many
businesses to shut down, cutting out our access to basic services such as
dental clinics. Without a doctor's guidance, a lot of people are falling into
poor habits while in self-isolation. These include lack of exercise, poor
hygiene, and increased carb intake.
Although a dental check-up is not
on the list of your family's priorities, poor health practices can lead to
serious complications, such as a painful toothache and other oral health
problems. Maintaining good health during a pandemic means not only reducing the
risk of acquiring the virus, but you should also take the right measures to
maintain healthy teeth.
As dental clinics slowly resume
their operations, chances are, you will encounter a few delays when requesting
a dental check-up. So while waiting for that appointment, why not incorporate a
few dental care practices into your routine?
Read below and discover the best dental care practices to safeguard you against COVID-19.
1. Brush the teeth properly.
While brushing is an obvious
dental care practice, many people fail to do it correctly. Brushing three times
a day is not enough. Before brushing your teeth, it is best to floss to
breakout the plaque hiding between the teeth. If you have trouble flossing, use
pre-made flossers. Brush afterward to remove the excess plaque.
The recommended length for
brushing should take as long as two minutes. If you want to remove plaque and
bacteria completely, using an electric toothbrush is better than manual
brushing. If you don't have one, a soft-bristled brush will do. You should also
make sure that you are using a fluoridated toothpaste. To avoid risks of
infection, disinfect your toothbrush daily by letting it run under hot water
for several minutes.
Those who have braces should pay
extra attention to oral hygiene. If you are using gold retainer wires, use non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste.
You should also refrain from chewing non-food items, such as nails, pencils,
and pens.
2. Incorporate healthy eating habits into your
daily routine.
Reducing sugar and carbohydrate
intake can make a huge difference in your oral health. As much as possible,
avoid cavity-causing foods, such as pasta, cereals, and other simple carbs.
Foods like these can easily convert to sugar once it reaches your mouth.
Instead, serve your family with fresh fruits and vegetables.
Drinking water also helps in
maintaining healthy teeth. You can also try drinking water with fluoride for an
extra application of fluoride for your teeth. At the same time, reduce
sugar-containing beverages, like soda, sweetened coffee, and soft drink.
3. Use antibacterial mouthwash more often.
In a recent study by the Journal
of Medical Virology, oral solutions such as mouthwash help reduce the risk of viral transmission,
especially for those with coronavirus. If you are looking for existing products
that can protect you against viruses, adding mouthwash to your dental care
routine can go a long way.
The best time to do oral rinsing
is right after brushing and flossing the teeth. Wait for a few minutes to allow
the fluoride to settle in your teeth. The recommended measurement for a single
oral rinse is between three to five teaspoons. While rinsing, gargle for about
30 seconds. Spit the mouthwash once you're done.
4. Chew xylitol gum or breath mints.
According to DentistryIQ, the
leading source of dental information, dental professionals discovered that
xylitol is an effective tool in preventing COVID-19. Our
mouth is likely the biggest culprit of spreading COVID-19, as the virus often
lands in our throat through breathing. Failure to kill that virus will cause
further infection.
Dentists highly recommend using
xylitol-containing gum several times a day to reduce the risk of viruses and
infection. Chewing mints also help in neutralizing acid in our saliva. Not only
does it make your mouth fresh, but it can also keep your teeth healthy. There
are plenty of breath mints available in the market. The best ones are
sugar-free mints that contain 100% xylitol.
5. Never wait for emergency treatment.
If there are cases when you feel
unusual pain or sensitivity caused by a broken tooth, facial trauma, or other
complicated dental issues, don't wait for emergency treatment. Request for an
appointment with your dentist for immediate care. A minor dental issue can turn
into a major one if left untreated.
These practices might not entirely cure your immediate dental concerns, but they are effective preventative measures to reduce potential dental problems during COVID-19 and maintain healthy teeth. So the next time you go to a dental clinic, you can flash them with that healthy smile!
**Image source: Pexels.com
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