In this day and age, it is extremely important to stay at home and practice social distance. It is more important than ever, to take extra precautions with your overall health as well as your oral health. In order to assist you, we’ve gone ahead and made up a list of Do’s and Don’ts to help you and your family when practicing at-home dental care.
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Brushing Your Teeth
DO Brush Your Teeth Regularly – This is of the utmost importance. You should be brushing your teeth at least once (before bedtime), but we recommend brushing your teeth twice a day; once in the morning and once in the evening after your last meal and before going to bed. Brushing your teeth is important because it cleans and scrubs remnants of your meals from in between your teeth as well as the surface of your teeth. Leaving rotting food particles inside your mouth causes bacteria to attack your tooth enamel and gums which can lead to tooth decay (also known as cavities).
DON’T Overbrush Your Teeth – The maximum amount of times you should be brushing your teeth on a daily basis are three times (once after every meal). If you’re brushing your teeth more than three times, you run the risk of overbrushing (yes that’s a thing). What happens when you overbrush? You increase the likelihood of irritating your gums to the point of swelling, bleeding, or infection all of which can cause your gum line to recede, can increase the risk of periodontal disease, or can even cause tooth decay or cavities!
Your Daily Diet
DO Eat Healthily – The foods you choose to eat affect your body’s health, of course, but can also have positive (or negative) effects on your teeth. You want to choose your meals (and their ingredients) thoughtfully. Consider healthy choices that will help make your teeth stronger such as vegetables rich in fiber, low-fat yogurt/cheeses, and water or other non-dark low-sugar drinks. Also try to select soft foods that won’t damage your teeth and foods that are low in acidity so that you can maintain the integrity of your teeth’s enamel.
DON’T Eat Unhealthily – Avoid foods that are high in sugar, can stain your teeth, or that are too hard. Sugary foods are famous for creating harsh bacteria in your mouth that will break down your teeth’s enamel and cause cavities. Examples of foods that will stain your teeth are coffee, black tea, dark sodas, wine, cranberries, blueberries, beets, etc. (the list goes on and on)! Foods that are too hard can cause unnecessary wear and tear on your teeth and can even damage them! Steer clear from crunching on ice and using your mouth to crack nuts.
Be Gentle With Your Teeth
DO Floss In Between Your Teeth – Although you want to clear your teeth and gums thoroughly, this doesn’t mean that you have to do so in a rough manner. When trying to clean areas of your mouth that your toothbrush can’t reach (such as in between teeth and gums) use floss string or a water flosser to do the job. No need to be heavy handed with these tools. If you begin bleeding with flossing it may mean that you are either being too rough or that your gums are swollen from not being cleaned for a while. Wait a day or two before beginning to floss again and repeat this until you are no longer bleeding during this process. It may take a week to get used to it, but the most important thing is be consistent with this practice.
DON’T Use Your Teeth Unwisely – Sometimes, people use teeth as an extra set of ‘hands’ so to speak. It’s not uncommon for someone to use their mouth to hold onto something if their hands are full—this is not a good idea. Avoid using your teeth to bite your nails, hold heavy objects, open packages, or bite on plastics. Your teeth were designed to chew your food—that’s it. Anything else places your teeth and jaw at risk of damage or misalignment.
Contact Dr. Sowers For More Do’s & Don’ts Tips!
If you want to go the extra mile and want more advice on how to care for your teeth at home, call our Lincoln, NE family dentistry office at (402) 475-8710. Our warm and friendly staff will be happy to assist you by answering any questions or concerns you may have. Feel like there may be something wrong and would like to see the doctor right away? Not a problem! You can either call us directly to set up an appointment or request a consultation online. Take care and stay safe!