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You had already made room in your schedule to visit your dental practice, but thanks to COVID-19 you’ve been forced to change your plans. While your dentist in Lehigh Valley has closed their office as a safety precaution, you may be worried about being able to take care of your teeth in the meantime; after all, you don’t want to find out that you’ve developed a cavity because your dental checkup was delayed for too long! Follow these 4 oral health tips at home so that you can greet your dentist with a bright, confident smile during your next visit.
1. Stock Up on the Right Supplies
First of all, you need to make sure that you always have the right tools on hand for keeping your teeth and gums clean. When selecting a toothbrush, always look for a small or medium-sized one with bristles that can more easily reach into the various spaces in your mouth, such as the crevices on the chewing surfaces of the molars. Only buy toothpaste that has the ADA Seal of Acceptance, which guarantees that the product meets strict regulations for safely and efficiently cleaning the teeth. Finally, if you don’t already use dental floss, now’s a good time to get into the habit; flossing is the most reliable way of cleaning the surfaces of the teeth that a toothbrush can’t reach.
2. Improve Your Brushing Routine
Most people don’t spend enough time brushing; make sure you set a timer for two minutes at the beginning of each session so that you can be sure that you’re giving your teeth the attention they deserve. Begin your routine by holding the brush at a 45-degree angle (compared to the gums) and run it across the sides and tops of your teeth using brief back and forth strokes. After that, hold the brush up and down so that you can reach the backs of your teeth.
3. Don’t Ignore Your Tongue
Even after you’ve brushed and flossed as thoroughly as possible, bacteria on your tongue could still be transferred to the teeth. Give your tongue some attention to by brushing or scraping it as part of your regular routine. You might even end up with fresher breath as a result!
4. Don’t Forget to Switch Your Toothbrush When the Time Comes
Even the best toothbrushes will become frayed after a few months of use. Think about how long you’ve been using your current brush and be sure to change to a new one when the time comes. Most people need to switch their toothbrushes every three or four months.
These are just a few steps you might take when it comes to oral hygiene. There are other ways you can give your teeth better protection, such as avoiding snacks before bed or using mouthwash on a regular basis. Until your dentist is ready to see you again, it’s important to be as vigilant as possible when it comes to maintaining a clean, healthy mouth.
About the Author
Dr. S. John Salivonchik has over 20 years of experience helping patients from all walks of life improve the appearance and health of their smiles. He studied dentistry at Temple Dental School, and he is a proud member of the Pennsylvania Dental Association. His practice currently offers virtual emergency dental consultations via smartphone to give patients the help they need during the COVID-19 pandemic. To get in touch with his practice, visit his website or call (610) 502-1545.
