At this time, we want to remind our patients to keep on maintaining their oral health at home as a form of preventative dental care. Fighting cavities, gum disease, and other dental health problems now stave off future oral surgeries or treatments. You can schedule a future appointment in our Nashua, NH, dental office by calling (603) 547-9203 or requesting a consultation online.
Eat Healthy Snacks
During quarantine, you may be tempted to reach for an unhealthy snack. While okay in moderation, an excessive amount of sugar can cause cavities and gum disease. It is important to clean your mouth after eating or drinking sugary products. Additionally, fruits are rich in nutrients, but they are also rich in sugar. It is important to brush your teeth whether you’re eating candy or fruit because the sugar can cause tooth decay in both cases. Dairy products such as cheese and yogurt are rich sources of calcium and protein to strengthen teeth. The probiotic nature of cultured foods also helps good bacteria to crowd out bad decay-causing bacteria in your mouth.
Brush Twice a Day
This may seem obvious, but brushing your teeth after every meal or at least twice daily is recommended, especially with an American Dental Association (ADA)-approved toothpaste and toothbrush. Soft or medium-bristled toothbrushes are safe for sensitive gums or tooth enamel. Brushing your teeth twice daily helps control the buildup of plaque.
Floss
Flossing daily allows you to clear away plaque and bacteria from the hard-to-reach places that brushing cannot clean. Most tooth decay starts beneath the gum line and in between teeth because people do not floss regularly.
Rinse and Drink Water
Rinsing your teeth and gums with mouthwash or water is also an important step in improving your oral health. Rinsing your mouth with water between meals can help protect your teeth against the buildup of plaque and bacteria. Using a mouthwash will also help protect against gum disease by killing bacteria, reducing the risk of tooth decay, gingivitis, and periodontitis.