Tips for dental care when you can’t see your dentist

Tips for dental care when you can’t see your dentist

The busy schedules of people always keep away from the routine dental check-up. Often people skip dental appointments due to lined-up work. In case you are one of them, then motioning oral hygiene at home is something you can never give up on or take lightly. You should take proactive steps at home and safeguard your oral health at home. Lack of measures to maintain oral health might lead to problems such as discoloration, cavities, gingivitis, and more. Here are some tips to clean and maintain your oral hygiene at home in case you cannot visit the dental clinic

Clean your teeth and gums at home

The main goal at home is to get rid of plaque and prevent tooth decay. Plaque is a clear film that develops on your teeth over time. Plaque houses bacteria such as Streptococcus and Staphylococcus which release acid while you eat or drink.

The acid released by the bacteria erodes the hard coating or tooth enamel.

Tooth enamel leaching leads to the formation of the cavity and forms a way for the germs to enter the gum line.

When bacteria enter the gum line it results in inflammation of gums that is gingivitis.

Accumulation of plaque leads to the formation of tartar which can only be scraped off by the dentist using the technique called scraping.

To prevent all these from happening, follow the below steps. 

  • Brush at least twice a day: use an electric toothbrush or a normal brush with soft bristles and brush gently for 2 minutes. If you brush your teeth harder, the gums might start bleeding.
  • Use fluoride toothpaste: you can call your doctor and ask whether you need excess fluoride. If yes, ask for a prescription and use it in your daily routine. 
  • Throw out the old brush: a worn-out toothbrush won’t lean your teeth effectively. Hence replace your toothbrush once in every three-four months. 
  • Clean between your teeth: the gaps between your teeth are a great place for the food to get stuck and bacterial growth. According to exerts dentist advice clean between your teeth using string floss, floss picks, or water flossers. Avoid the use of household items such as fingernails or safety pins to clean. 
  • Use a mouthwash: an antiseptic and therapeutic rinse keeps bacterial growth under control and prevents problems such as plaque, gingivitis, bad breath, and tooth decay. Opt for a mouth wash with ingredients such as Cetylpyridinium chloride, Essential oils (eucalyptol, menthol, methyl salicylate, or thymol), Fluoride, or peroxide. These ingredients keep your mouth fresh and keep microbial multiplication under control. 

Consume crunchy fruits and vegetables

Ready-to-at costs less and is convenient to make but doesn’t have a good when it comes to oral hygiene and overall health.

High sugar readymade food produces acid and makes your teeth susceptible to tooth decay.

To avoid this, consume fresh, crunchy fruits and vegetables. The crunchy texture of fruits and vegetables acts as natural abrasive and scrubs your teeth.

Also, get your jaws working by chewing the food. Avoid giving your kid highly mushy food and tiny pieces.

You can increase the consumption of fruits such as strawberries, watermelon, and pineapple that are rich in malic acid. Malic acid prevents plaque buildup and improves saliva production. 

Drink more water

Water is one of the best beverages to maintain your overall health and dental health.

Maintain a rule of thumb to drink water at least half an hour after every meal. Drinking water prevents the sticking of foods and acid to your teeth.

It also doesn’t allow the accumulation of food on which bacteria feeds and grows. 

Beware of bleeding gums

It is normal to experience bleeding gums if you brush hard or you haven’t flossed for a while.

If you are new to flossing, your mouth will take a week or so to adapt to the new routine.

Don’t put too much pressure while flossing and brushing. If bleeding doesn’t stop after a while, give a call to your dentist and make sure you visit the dental clinic as it may be a sign of gingivitis or any other gum disease. 

Don’t forget your tongue

Your tongue can also become the platform for plaque formation. Leaving the tongue unattended might result in a bad odor and various other oral health issues.

To prevent plaque formation on the tongue, gently brush your tongue while brushing your teeth. You can also use a tongue scraper to scrape the deposits on the tongue. 

Bottom line

Pandemic has canceled a lot of dental appointments and, people are in a situation to stay at home maintaining oral health. In case if you have any doubt, call your dentist and ask for help. 

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