How to Maintain Your Oral Health During Quarantine
Caring for your oral health is an important part of your daily routine, especially now, when access to routine dental care is not possible.
We will provide you with some guidelines, including diet tips that optimize your oral health, to help you keep your smile as healthy as possible!
First, brush your teeth for two minutes at least twice a day. It’s important to note that you should not brush immediately after a meal, especially if the meal was acidic (such as soda, grapefruits, lemons, etc.) or high in sugar. Brushing too soon after eating can actually push those enamel-damaging substances into the tooth. It is always a good idea to rinse your mouth with water after a meal, snack or sugary drink to remove those substances from the tooth’s surface. Brush all surfaces of the tooth ~ outside, inside and the chewing surface. And be sure not to forget to brush your tongue, which can harbor bacteria.
Be sure to use the proper tools, too! Use fluoride toothpaste and a soft bristled brush. Fluoride is important in preventing cavities and can also help remineralize weakened areas of the tooth’s enamel. Anything harder than a soft bristle brush is too harsh for the teeth and gums. An electric toothbrush is a fantastic tool because it often comes with a built in timer, a pressure indicator to ensure you don’t brush too hard and it achieves the soft, circular motion that is ideal for plaque removal. The proper angle also optimizes your plaque removal and protects your gums. A 45-degree angle is an ideal position for brushing. Be sure to use gentle pressure; pushing too hard damages both the protective tooth enamel and can cause gum recession, both of which can lead to tooth sensitivity.
When you are done brushing, always rinse your toothbrush with water and leave it in an upright position somewhere where it will be able to air-dry. Avoid placing it too close to other toothbrushes and do not store it with a cover over the bristles, as this can encourage bacterial growth. It is always a good idea to replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months, and also after you’ve been sick.
Flossing is crucial to remove the food from between the teeth and under the gums. This area is too tight for the bristles of your toothbrush to reach. Use a piece of floss about 18-inches long so you can use a fresh piece of floss throughout the process. Be sure to gently guide the floss along the entire curved surface of each tooth, not just snapping the floss straight up and down. If you have a dental bridge, floss threaders are a great tool to help you guide the floss under it so you can properly clean the food debris and thereby protect the teeth supporting the bridge. If used properly, water picks can also be a good tool to add to your routine. Always avoid toothpicks, as they can cause trauma to gums.
Diet also plays a critical role in your oral health. Soda, sports and energy drinks, and juices are all high in sugar content. While it is best to avoid these drinks altogether and substitute it with water, we understand that is not always a realistic expectation. Cutting back or limiting their consumption is beneficial, as is rinsing your mouth with water after drinking them. If you add sugar to your tea and coffee, it is also recommended your rinse with water after your finish drinking them. Tea and coffee can also stain your teeth; drinking them (as well as any sugary drinks) through a straw can help limit how much of the drink attaches to the tooth’s surface. Be aware of “added sugars” when you purchase foods. Even “healthy” foods like yogurts, cereal, protein bars and granola are often riddled with extra sugar. Fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables are often the best choices, as canned fruits are often in a sugary syrup and dried fruits can stick to the surface of the tooth for long periods of time. Nuts, cheeses, leafy greens (such as kale and spinach), apples, carrots and celery are great food choices for your oral health. Foods to avoid or to try to limit include candy, especially sticky candies (such as taffy and caramels) or candy that you suck on to dissolve in your mouth (such as lollipops, hard candy and cough drops). If you are craving something sweet, chocolate is a good choice (and dark chocolate is even better!). You also want to limit starchy food such as soft breads and potato chips. If you enjoy chewing gum, opt for sugarless varieties. This can actually be beneficial for your teeth because it can help dislodge food that can get stuck between your teeth and it can promote saliva production, which can neutralize acids in the mouth and wash away sugar on the teeth.
Smoking, and other tobacco products, can be detrimental to your oral health. It can lead to tooth staining, gum disease, tooth loss and oral cancer. People who smoke are more likely to produce bacterial plaque, which leads to gum disease. Additionally, smokers have less oxygen in their bloodstream, so gums aren’t able to heal properly when damaged or infected. For that reason, smokers also don’t heal as predictably, even after periodontal treatment which is aimed to help gum disease. Gum disease remains the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. If possible, quitting use of any tobacco products is recommended, or at the very least, try to cut back.
Finally, in these times of stress, clenching and grinding (bruxism) can be a concern. Symptoms of bruxism include tired or sore jaw muscles, pain or soreness in the neck, jaw or face, ear pain, and headaches. Over time, this can lead to flattened teeth, fractures, chips and loosened teeth. It can also lead to wearing down of the enamel and increased tooth pain and sensitivity. Try to be aware if these are habits that you are suffering from and do your best to stop. If it occurs while you sleep, investing in an over-the-counter mouth guard may provide some temporary relief until you can see your dentist to have one custom fit for your mouth. Moist heat, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs), and a soft diet can also provide relief for acute pain associated with clenching and grinding.
As always, we are here for you with any questions and concerns! Please feel free to call us (716)-828-2295. We look forward to seeing your smile soon! Be well and stay safe!