How to Maintain Oral Hygiene During the COVID-19 Outbreak

During the COVID-19 crisis, many dentists’ offices are closed, but you should still focus on oral hygiene. However, you can still keep your teeth clean while stuck at home. Doing so can help you avoid unnecessary trips to the dental office. Keep reading to learn a few tips to help your teeth stay as healthy as possible.
Oral care at home
Even though the COVID-19 is a trying time, it is important to control the things that can be controlled. One of those things is oral care. Brushing and flossing the teeth and using mouthwash are a few ways to do this. The main goal is for patients to control plaque and prevent it from hardening to tartar. Plaque can be removed at home, but tartar cannot.
Patients should brush at least twice a day, if not more often. Some dentists recommend that patients turn to electric toothbrushes, which can remove plaque better than manual toothbrushes. Patients should brush the teeth for at least two minutes. Setting a timer can help patients to reach this goal.
The toothbrush should be disinfected often. Soaking it in a mix of hydrogen peroxide and mouthwash is a good idea. This can kill germs on it. It is a good idea to keep all oral care products near commodes covered.
It can also be helpful for patients to use a mouthwash. This can be done twice a day to prevent gum inflammation and plaque buildup. However, it is important to choose one without alcohol in it. An alcohol-based mouthwash can disrupt the beneficial oral microbiome in the patients’ mouth. Patients can use hydroxyapatite toothpaste, which is less likely to kill the good bacteria. However, this toothpaste can still help rebuild the teeth’s enamel.
Eating the right diet
It can be tempting for patients staying at home to snack on junk food all day. Many patients turn to excessive snacking when facing boredom and stress. However, foods with starch, such as chips and bread, can cause acid near the teeth. This can cause the surface of the teeth to dissolve. Teeth bathed in the acids become softer and weaker. In general, avoiding processed foods is a good idea.
Staying hydrated is a part of good oral hygiene. Drinking water can help wash away bacteria before they start to attach to the teeth. It is a good idea to avoid drinking and smoking. The process of smoking can limit the amount of blood to the gums. This can increase the risk of gum disease. Drinking can cause the cells in the gums and cheeks to dry out.
Practice good oral hygiene
It may take a little more effort to keep your teeth healthy while you are at home. However, by doing so, you can avoid a trip to the emergency dentist. You can also avoid having to get extensive dental work once you get back to regular appointments. The habits you build now during the COVID-19 crisis are good ones to have no matter what the situation.
Request an appointment here: https://www.stgeorgedentalcare.com or call St. George Dental Care at (435) 628-9099 for an appointment in our St George office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Recent Posts
Having a beautiful smile is something that most of us desire. However, not everyone is born with naturally perfect teeth. Fortunately, veneers can help to correct a variety of cosmetic dental issues, such as stained, chipped, or misshapen teeth. But with so many different types of veneers available, how do you know which one is…
A dry mouth is a condition where the salivary glands in the mouth do not produce enough saliva. This can cause a range of uncomfortable symptoms, including a dry and crumbly tongue membrane, oral lesions, and difficulty swallowing and speaking. Dry mouth can be caused by several reasons that range from medication side effects to…
Going to the dentist can be a daunting experience for many people. The fear of pain and discomfort during dental procedures can cause anxiety and stress, making it difficult for patients to properly take care of their teeth. However, with advancements in dental technology, patients can now undergo procedures with minimal discomfort. One such advancement…
Kissing is known to be a common and intimate practice all around the world. However, did you know that kissing comes with health benefits and concerns? Kissing not only creates an intimate connection between two people but also offers some benefits. This article helps you learn the health benefits of kissing and how you can…