Keep your mouth healthy whilst staying at home
Oral health is important for many reasons. It is necessary if you want to keep your natural teeth for longer. It provides a high quality of life that is free from oral pain. There is also a lower chance that you will need to invest significant time and money into dental treatment in the future. And finally, it is linked with good general health, with many scientific studies showing that oral health can help to prevent conditions like cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
We appreciate that your teeth and gums might not be your top priority right now, but it is still vital that you look after them. Plus, you might even have a little extra time to spend caring for your mouth right now, which could bring huge benefits later on.
It’s easy
An effective oral care routine is easy when you know how. Here are some top tips to help you look after your teeth and gums during lockdown:
- Brush your teeth for two minutes twice a day – first thing in the morning and at one other time
- Use an electric toothbrush – the technique is easier to get right for maximum cleaning effect
- Use a fluoride toothpaste to protect against dental decay
- Clean between the teeth (interdentally) once a day using string floss, interdental brushes or a water flosser – whichever you prefer
- Order your new brushes or brush heads well ahead of time to allow for delivery delays and ensure you have them when you need them
- Take the time to check that children are brushing their teeth correctly for the right amount of time. There are various free apps available to download that can help with this.
Not just about cleaning
It’s not just your oral health regime that will impact the health of your mouth. Your diet is just as important. Where possible, try to:
- Cut down snacking on sugary treats or fizzy drinks in both quantity and frequency
- Drink plenty of water, especially after snacks or meals
- Eat a balanced diet that includes all the nutrients your body and mind need to stay healthy. For your teeth and gums, these include calcium (found in milk and cheese), phosphorus (found in eggs, fish, dairy and nuts) and vitamin C (found in citrus fruits, tomatoes, peppers, broccoli, potatoes and spinach)
- Chew sugar-free chewing gum after meals to help clean the teeth and gums of any food debris
Got a question?
If you have any questions about maintaining your oral health at home, the expert team at Ten Dental + Facial are here to help. You can reach us on social media, via WhatsApp, by email or over the phone. We are also offering free virtual consultations should you wish to find out about the dental treatments we will offer once it is safe to re-open.
Stay safe, stay health and eat right.
