Treat flossing as important as brushing. As COVID-19 spreads across the country, many dental offices have decided to close their doors for almost all appointments and only attend emergency visits. This measure is necessary to help limit the spread of the virus and protect both dental staff and patients, but so far it has left many families without access to dental care. While waiting for your next appointment, your family can take simple steps to protect your oral health and prevent existing problems from getting worse.
Here are 10 ways you can keep your family's teeth healthy when you don't have access to dental care. Use fluoride toothpaste to protect your teeth from decay. If you have a higher risk of developing tooth decay (for example, if you have dry mouth due to a condition you have or medications you take), you may need more fluoride. Your dentist or dental hygienist may give you a fluoride treatment during an office visit, or may direct you to use a fluoride gel or mouthwash at home.
If you have young children, brushing your teeth as a family not only keeps your teeth healthy now, but it also establishes a lifelong habit and allows you to keep an eye on them to make sure they're doing a good job. Although you may be doing everything you can to keep your teeth clean and healthy, your dentist will be able to remove the stone and look for cavities, something you can't do from home. Smokers are more likely to have infected gums, weakened teeth, and a lower success rate of dental implant procedures. Another way to prevent injuries is to never put objects in your mouth to clean your teeth, as this can do more harm than good.
Following a good oral hygiene routine is the best way to protect your teeth from tooth decay and gum disease, so pay special attention to this while you wait to see Dr. Brushing and flossing your teeth can prevent cavities, but once a cavity forms, to prevent further damage, the The dentist must fix it with a filling. Both options allow for gentle teeth cleaning without causing heavy brushing and possible long-term damage, such as gum shrinkage and enamel loss. Dentists recommend eating an apple a day because chewing apples can help you clean your teeth and prevent cavities, while taking away your sweet tooth.
However, moderation is key to avoid damaging your teeth, as candies excrete acids that break down enamel and contribute to tooth decay. Always use a mouth guard when playing contact sports to reduce the chance of something happening to your teeth. When you brush your teeth, don't forget to brush your tongue just like your teeth, as plaque will build up on your tongue, increasing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease if you don't clean it regularly. Even if you've lost all your natural teeth, you should go to the dentist to have your oral cancer examined regularly.
Baby teeth are particularly vulnerable to tooth decay because they have a thinner layer of protective enamel, so never send young children to bed with a cup of juice to drink or milk, just water. There are several problems that can affect oral health, but good care should keep your teeth and gums strong as you age.
