Maintaining a Healthy Smile Starts at Home
In light of COVID-19, we have, sadly, had to close our doors for all non-essential treatment until at least May 15th (we do remain open for dental emergencies should they occur). While you are unable to come and visit us for routine dental hygiene and maintenance care, it is now especially important to maintain your own home dental hygiene routine.
THE BASICS
Maintaining oral health is so important! Not only does it keep your smile sparkling, but it also is important for your overall health. First and foremost, an oral health routine starts with brushing and flossing daily! Be sure to brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste. It’s best to use a toothbrush with soft bristles, and it’s recommended to replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months – or even sooner if bristles fray or you have been sick. Clean between your teeth daily with dental floss or other interdental cleaners (like a water flosser). Flossing helps to remove plaque, which can eventually lead to gum disease if not removed. Not sure you’re flossing correctly? Check out this step-by-step guide from the American Dental Association: https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/f/flossing-steps.
In additional to brushing and flossing, nutrition plays an important role in your dental and oral health (and your overall health!). Choosing nutritious foods and drinks and limiting sugary snacks and drinks can reduce your risk for tooth decay (and help to maintain your general health, as well!). The American Dental Association recommends eating a variety of foods from the each of the 5 major food goups, including: whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean sources of protein (think skinless poultry/fish, lean beef, dry beans, peas, and legumes), and low-fat or fat-free dairy products. While choosing healthy snacks is important – limiting the number of snacks you eat can also help to keep your mouth healthy.
FOR ADULTS
If you wear dentures, be sure to clean your dentures daily. Use a cleaner designed specifically for dentures, as other cleaners or toothpastes can damage dentures. The American Dental Association recommends removing your dentures at night – and to take out dentures for at least 4 hours every 24 hours, to help keep your mouth healthy.
FOR CHILDREN
As for adults, it’s important to brush children’s teeth twice a day for two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste. To help, sing the alphabet song 3 times or set a kitchen timer. For newborns, you can wipe gums with a wet cloth to keep their mouths clean. For children younger than 3, use toothpaste the size of a grain of rice, and for children 3 years and older, use toothpaste the size of a pea. As soon as two teeth are touching, flossing is recommended. Maintain any fluoride treatments that may have been prescribed, as fluoride helps to protect teeth from cavities.
COME AND SEE US WHEN WE RE-OPEN
Of course, regular dental check-ups are an essential part of maintaining your oral and dental health! We will keep you updated on when our office is re-opened for non-essential dental care and will work to reschedule any missed appointments during this time. We have been missing our office, our outstanding staff, and our wonderful patients who feel like family to us. We continue to look ahead to reuniting with you all and wish you health and safety during these uncertain times.