We’re living in strange times right now. Across the country, people are staying in their homes and steering clear of work, school, and everyday errands. Businesses are closing everywhere, too; this makes it particularly tough to the things we normally would, from buying toilet paper to getting our routine dental cleanings.
At Downtown Dental, we want you to have a beautiful and healthy smile – even if you can’t make it into our office right now. So, if you’re taking care of your teeth all on your own, make sure you do it the right way! Here are a few essential tips that will help you maintain a clean smile while you’re stuck in quarantine:
Brush Before Bed
Ideally, you should brush your teeth at least two times a day. We all know this – and yet, some people seem to think that before-bed brushing is optional.
Look, we understand. After a long, tiring day, spending two minutes brushing can feel like a monumental task! But please, PLEASE, do not skip your nighttime brushing!
See, those two minutes help wash away any plaque that’s built up during the day. If you leave it on your teeth overnight, you’re basically letting the bacteria in your mouth have a feast – and they will NOT clean up after themselves! Brushing your teeth at night is essential if you want to avoid cavities, tooth decay, and gum disease.
Use Fluoride Toothpaste
Fluoride is an important tool in the world of dental care. This chemical helps protect tooth enamel, keeping your teeth both healthy and strong. For this reason, it’s very important that you use products that contain fluoride when taking care of your teeth – and the best place to start is with your toothpaste.
These days, most people look for toothpaste that tastes the best or promises the most whitening power. Sure, these factors can help you decide on a toothpaste, but they should always be secondary to fluoridation. Always look for toothpastes that contain fluoride as an active ingredient.
Floss – No, Seriously
We know that no one REALLY loves flossing. In fact, that’s why so many people don’t do it; about 32% of Americans confess that they never floss at all! But just like brushing your teeth, flossing is an important part of your oral care routine – and if you can’t get into a dentist’s office, it’s more important than ever.
Flossing helps remove plaque, food particles, and bacteria from those tight spaces your toothbrush can’t reach. While brushing alone can remove a great deal of plaque, those spaced between your teeth can still trap all kinds of nasty gunk! Flossing is a quick and easy way to prevent cavities and tooth decay, so don’t forget to do it!
Have a Healthy Diet
Oral care isn’t just about what happens in front of the bathroom mirror. A proper diet – complete with lots of water – is also essential for keeping your teeth nice and healthy! When you drink water, it helps wash out your mouth with each sip. This will rid your teeth and gums of harmful bacteria that can leave you with a lackluster smile.
The foods you eat can also make a big difference in your oral health. Try to avoid lots of sugary snacks (we know it’s hard during quarantine but try your best) and chow down instead on crunchy fruits and veggies like apples, celery, and cucumbers. These fibrous foods act like little scrub brushes, and they can help remove bacteria and plaque with every chew!
If you follow this advice, you’ll be able to keep your teeth strong, sparkling, and bacteria-free! And once it’s time to head back into the world, schedule an appointment with your local dentist in Chicago at Downtown Dental!