5 Ways To Keep Your Teeth Healthy During the Coronavirus

The Coronavirus outbreak has dramatically affected all industries, and dentistry is no exception. Our patient’s health has always been our top priority at Hoffman Dental Care, and because of this, we want to help you maintain your dental health during this stressful time.

Here are 5 simple ways you can keep your teeth healthy at home to prevent future dental concerns and avoid dental emergencies while sheltering in place during COVID-19.

Spend Extra Time On Your Hygiene Routine

Your daily schedule has likely changed, but your oral hygiene routine should not. This means that brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing before bed should still be a top priority. Excellent daily oral hygiene goes a long way in preventing future dental issues that may require your time and money on restorative dentistry treatments. The more time you spend investing in your smile now, the less likely your odds are of needing dental work once things have returned to normal.

Practice Mindfulness

Teeth grinding and jaw clenching are common reactions to stress for many. These bad habits can lead to uncomfortable symptoms, including headaches, earaches, and jaw pain. We encourage our patients to practice mindfulness during high-stress situations to ensure that your teeth aren’t taking on extra tension. If you find yourself clenching your jaw or grinding your teeth throughout the day, make every attempt to relax your body, mind, and facial muscles. Practicing jaw exercises at home is another excellent way of relaxing your jaw muscles.

Upgrade Your Oral Hygiene Products

Now is an excellent time to make a few upgrades in your oral hygiene product lineup. Choosing the right dental products for your smile can make all the difference in the health and appearance of your teeth. Our favorite products include:

An electric toothbrush 

Some people tend to brush too hard or in a harsh sawing motion as opposed to gentle, circular motions. An electric toothbrush can help to prevent you from scrubbing with too much force. Electric toothbrushes also make brushing easier for those who have arthritis or other health conditions that affect the hands.

Use a fluoride mouthwash

Using fluoride is critical in keeping your teeth strong and healthy. Different types of mouthwash can tackle various dental issues, with some helping to reduce plaque and prevent gingivitis while others help to combat cavities. Regardless of which you choose, select a mouthwash that contains fluoride to protect your teeth.

Switch to a whitening toothpaste 

Always choose a toothpaste that contains fluoride to strengthen tooth enamel and prevent tooth decay. Many kinds of toothpaste also have ingredients that can naturally whiten your smile with every use by removing surface stains.

Make Healthy Food Choices

Many people are turning to comfort foods during this challenging time, but it is wise to be mindful of your diet. Monitoring your intake of sugar, citrus, sticky foods, and carbohydrates to ensure you are not overindulging is critical. Moderation is always the best approach to avoid plaque buildup, teeth stains, and potential cavities caused by foods like sofas, coffee, candy, and chips.

Best foods for your teeth

A few healthy foods that can improve your diet and the health of your mouth are:

• Cheese
• Yogurt
• Leafy greens
• Apples
• Carrots
• Celery
• Almonds

Schedule a Future Exam and Cleaning

Maintaining great dental hygiene is more critical than ever during the Coronavirus outbreak, as many dental practices are closed, and routine cleanings and exams have been postponed. Your teeth and gums still require daily attention to stay healthy and strong, so sticking to a diligent home care routine will give your mouth and body its best chance of staying healthy. The efforts you make now will pay off in the future at your future exam and cleaning with Hoffman Dental Care.