If you can’t see your dentist for routine preventive care in Ruston due to the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak, you may be wondering how you can keep your teeth healthy and strong until you can see a dentist like Dr. Patrick Stuckey for an oral exam and teeth cleaning. So in this article, we’ll provide you with a few basic steps you can take to maintain your oral health and keep your smile healthy during the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak.
1. Maintain Proper Teeth Brushing Habits
First, you need to focus on the basics. Make sure you’re brushing at least twice a day for two minutes and cleaning every surface of your teeth thoroughly with a fluoride-based toothpaste. Regular brushing is the best way to protect yourself from cavities and gum disease. It’s best to brush once after breakfast and once before bed.
If you have some more time on your hands due to the COVID-19 lockdown, you can consider brushing three times a day. Brush after breakfast, after lunch, and before bed to maximize the effectiveness of your oral care routine.
2. Make Sure You Floss
It’s estimated that brushing alone only cleans about 60% of the surfaces of your teeth. That’s why flossing is so important. Floss can get between your teeth into the little cracks and crevices that are inaccessible to a toothbrush. Floss once per day consistently for the best results, and consider following up with an antiseptic mouthwash. Rinsing with mouthwash will kill even more bacteria, and help dislodge any particles that were loosened while you were flossing.
3. Eat A Healthy Diet
Food that’s good for your body is also good for your teeth. Try to eat a healthy diet high in low-fat dairy, lean meats, whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, and other such foods. Avoid overly-processed foods and snacks like pretzels, chips, cookies, candy, and desserts. They have high levels of sugar and simple starches that can contribute to tooth decay.
4. Avoid Sugary Beverages
Cut back or eliminate your consumption of drinks like soda and sugary cocktails, and try to reduce the amount of sugar you put in your morning coffee or tea. Drinking more water and reducing your intake of sugary beverages will help keep your teeth free of decay.
5. Don’t Snack Frequently
Eat 3 meals a day with 1-2 snacks, at most. “Grazing” and eating lots of small snacks throughout the day causes food particles to build up in your mouth faster than they can be rinsed away by your saliva, which increases the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
Follow These Tips To Keep Your Mouth Healthy In Ruston
If you can’t see your dentist due to COVID-19 coronavirus, these tips are sure to help. And if you need preventive care in Ruston, the office of Dr. Patrick Stuckey is open for business. We’re following all OSHA, CDC, and ADA recommendations to keep patients safe while they get the dental care they need, and we’re accepting new patients. Contact us now online or give us a call at (318) 255-8648 to learn more and schedule an appointment.
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