Now that non-urgent dental care has been stopped during the COVID-19 lockdown, caring for your teeth at home is even more important.
With this in mind, we have put together our essential tips to help you look after your teeth at home. We hope you find them helpful.
Clean between your teeth daily.
Use dental floss, flossers, interdental brushes, a water flosser, or a similar product. This removes plaque and leftover food that a toothbrush can't reach. It also stimulates the gums and helps lower inflammation in the area. Always rinse out with water after you floss.
Brush at least twice a day for 2-3 minutes.
The best time to brush teeth is before breakfast and last thing at night. Choose a toothbrush with a small head for better access to back teeth - soft bristles are kinder to your gums if they are tender or sensitive. Be sure to use the correct motion: using short gentle back, forth, and small circular motions means that all tooth surfaces will be gently brushed - avoid a sawing or scrubbing motion.
Brush carefully and gently along your gum line, then rinse out with water. Afterwards, brush your teeth all over again with toothpaste and only spit out this time, leaving some fluoride remaining on your teeth.
Replace your toothbrush
We recommend that everyone replaces their toothbrush every 3 to 4 months as well as after any illness.
Lightly brush your tongue
Use your toothbrush on your tongue or use a tongue scraper to help keep your mouth clean. The small grooves in your tongue catch bacteria and food particles that turn into bad breath and allow for the accumulation of acids.
Use fluoridated toothpaste.
Fluoride helps to harden tooth surface (enamel) and to reduce your risk of tooth decay (getting cavities).
Limit sugary and acidic drinks like soft drinks, cordials and fruit juices.
Bacteria in dental plaque (soft coating that builds on your teeth every day) change sugars into acids. Food acids soften tooth material and dissolve the minerals in tooth enamel, causing cavities (caries). In severe cases, teeth may be ‘eaten’ right down to the gum. You don’t have to refrain from eating and drinking your favourite foods and drinks entirely. Simply reduce your intake of sugary and acidic foods whenever possible.
Eat crunchy fruits and vegetables.
Eating fresh, crunchy produce not only contains more healthy fibre, but it’s also the best choice for your teeth.
Try to save a knocked out tooth.
If possible, hold the tooth back in place while you seek immediate dental advice. If this is not possible, place it in milk and seek dental advice immediately.
Avoid using your teeth for anything other than chewing food.
If you use them to crack nuts, remove bottle tops or rip open packaging, you risk chipping or even breaking your teeth.
We hope you find these useful. If you have any questions, please don't hestitate to get in touch with us via our Facebook account - we will get straight back to you!
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