Top 4 Dental Tips for Quarantine
Brush twice a day … Floss once a day … These dental tips for quarantine may sound like we’re preaching to the choir.
But don’t run yet!
We have outlined new and exciting perspectives on why you should take these dental tips seriously, especially during quarantine!
4 dental tips for quarantine
1. Brush your teeth
This may seem obvious, but listen to this …
The American Dental Association… This text opens a new tab to the ADA website on brushing teeth… recommends brushing your teeth twice a day.
However:
Are you eating more often during quarantine? Consuming sugar drinks or treats?
If so, you should consider brushing your teeth after every meal, snack, or happy hour.
Why?
The longer you wait to brush your teeth, the more time there is for harmful bacteria to work its cavity-causing wonders.
If quarantine has you overdue for a dental cleaning, brushing more often can help keep plaque build-up at bay until you can get your teeth professionally cleaned.
Pro tip: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste for the best result.
2. Floss
Have you ever lied to your dental hygienist about how often you floss?
You don’t need to answer that because the truth is your dental hygienist can tell.
According to WebMD… This text opens a new tab to the statistic…, 36% of Americans would rather do something unpleasant, like clean the toilet, than floss.
While being told to floss your teeth once a day may sound like a broken record, there is a good reason for it!
Flossing is highly effective in preventing gum disease, the #1 cause of adult tooth loss… This text opens a new tab to the Delta Dental website….
Common signs of gum disease (aka signs you need to floss more) include:
- Inflammed gums
- Gums that bleed when you brush or floss
- Red gums
Now here’s the kicker:
Research… This text opens a new tab to the LANAP website… shows there is a correlation between periodontal disease and overall health problems like heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and more.
With the current pandemic putting people with underlying health conditions at a heightened risk, now is an important time to floss your teeth.
Full disclaimer: You should always floss your teeth once a day!
Pro tip: If you or your child don’t enjoy or avoid using traditional string floss, try using a dental floss pick or a water flosser.
3. Drink more water
Here’s why drinking water is good for your oral health:
Fluoride protection
A majority of water sources in the United States contain fluoride. Drinking fluoridated water is the most efficient way to prevent tooth decay.
How does it work?
Fluoride remineralizes the enamel layer of your teeth, which adds extra protection against cavity-causing bacteria and acid attacks. It can even reverse early signs of decay.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention… This text opens a new tab to the CDC website… named community water fluoridation one of 10 great public health achievements of the 20th century.
Cleans your mouth
With each sip of water, you help rinse away sugars, bacteria, and food stuck on or in between your teeth.
The same goes for saliva!
By hydrating your body, you maintain sufficient production of saliva and prevent dry mouth.
Plus, saliva contains beneficial minerals, like calcium, which shields your teeth from cavities.
4. Don’t avoid emergency dental care
This dental tip for quarantine is very timely because even though your dentist may be closed, you should still contact them or search “emergency dentist near me” if you need help.
Here are common dental emergencies you should contact your dentist for right away:
- Knocked-out tooth
- Cracked, chipped, or broken tooth
- Tooth pain
- Swelling
- Infection or abscess
- Bleeding
- Damaged restoration (crown, filling, denture, bridge, etc.)
If you put off getting dental care for any of the above, you may worsen your problem.
For example, if you notice an unusual pain or sensitivity coming from a tooth, it may be a sign you have an infected tooth pulp and need a root canal.
Now, if you wait, that tooth pain may suddenly become so severe that you go to the emergency room. Sometimes hospitals are not equipped to perform such dental procedures and can only treat your symptoms.
You will then need to visit your dentist for proper treatment. Your treatment options may be different now, depending on your case severity, and you may incur more costs, time off work, etc.
In other terms, getting your dental emergency cared for sooner rather than later will likely save you money and time and reduce your pain.
Need an emergency dentist right now?
At Bradley Rule DDS, we offer emergency dental care for new and current patients.
Our dental office is located in Gurnee, IL and serves the surrounding communities, including Grayslake, Lindenhurst, Wadsworth, Libertyville, Lake Villa, Waukegan, Antioch, Vernon Hills, Winthrop Harbor, and Mundelein.
Call us if you need help: 847-662-7717.
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Help your friends, family, and community protect their smiles with these dental tips.
What was your favorite fact or tip from this blog? Share it in the comments! ????
