5 Tips to Keep Your Mouth Healthy While Self-Isolating

Last month, the ADA released an official statement recommending that all dental practices postpone elective procedures, like checkups and cleanings and cosmetic treatments. This response was in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19 and focus on solely providing emergency dental care to reduce the number of people heading to already-overwhelmed ERs. Because of this, it could be months until you’re able to have your smile professionally cleaned and examined. So, it’s up to you to keep your oral health on track while you’re self-isolating. Read on for five tips to help avoid cavities and gum disease while you’re self-isolating.

Maintain a Healthy Diet

Many people aren’t aware that their daily diet has an impact on their oral health. Processed foods that contain high amounts of sugars and carbohydrates attract harmful oral bacteria that produce waste in the form of acid and toxins. These can wear away at your enamel and cause your gums to become swollen and even infected. If you’re tempted to frequently snack while you’re self-isolating, try substituting fresh fruits and vegetables that contain high amounts of waters and vitamins and nutrients.

Stick to Your Regular Routine

With shelter-in-place orders in action, you’re likely rarely leaving your home, which can cause your whole routine to change. While change isn’t always a bad thing, it is if you’re not as diligent about brushing and flossing your teeth. Make sure to stick to your regular oral hygiene tasks to prevent issues from developing.

Use Oral Hygiene Products Approved By The ADA

The American Dental Association puts their seal of approval on all oral hygiene products that have been sufficiently tested and proven to be safe and effective to use on your teeth and gums. To get the guarantee that a product that you’re buying will improve your oral health, be sure to only purchase items that have this seal on their packaging.

Change Out Your Toothbrush If You Get Sick

Did you know that you should change out your toothbrush if you get sick? Not only is a national pandemic going on, but it’s also flu and allergy season as well. With all of the viruses, germs, and bacteria floating around, it’s important to clean your toothbrush regularly and switch it out if you get sick. You can sanitize it by boiling it in water for five minutes, and changing out your toothbrush when you get sick will ensure that you don’t become accidentally re-infected.

Don’t Forget to Floss

Flossing is a vital part of your daily hygiene routine and helps clean up to 30 percent of the surface of your teeth that regular toothbrushes can’t get to. If you have difficulty maneuvering the floss in your mouth, you can always try using a water flosser or flossing picks. These tools can make flossing faster and more enjoyable so you do it more regularly!

With these five self-isolation tips, you’ll be able to avoid getting oral health problems while your dentist has postponed all elective procedures. Not to mention, it’ll make your checkup and cleaning when they do open up again a breeze!

About the Author

Dr. Huy Nguyen has over 25 years of experience as a dentist. He enjoys getting to know each of his patients and providing them with high-quality and affordable treatments to optimize their oral health. Until further notice, he will only be seeing emergency patients and is rescheduling all other appointments. For questions or to schedule an appointment, visit Town Square Dental’s website or call 713-534-8800.