Untill Your Next Dentist Visit, Here Are 5 Oral Hygiene Best Practices

There are oral hygiene practices at home that everyone can implement during the coronavirus outbreak to reduce the risk of developing an oral health concern. It is helpful to know the right oral hygiene steps to take to ensure good oral health until the next dentist visit can be scheduled. 

At-home oral hygiene practices

By brushing regularly, using fluoride-based mouthwash, limiting the intake of acidic foods and drinks and consuming more water each day, people can keep their mouth healthy and clean. The following is an overview of at-home oral hygiene practices until your next dentist visit. 

Brush your entire mouth

The mouth naturally accumulates bacteria. When saliva is combined with sugar, food particles, etc., an acidic reaction occurs that can break down tooth enamel and harm the gums. Due to this, it is important to brush the entire mouth thoroughly, including the teeth, gums, tongue and cheeks. This ensures almost all bacteria and food particles in the mouth are removed and the mouth is left clean. With that said, it is also important not to brush too hard, as it may contribute to issues such as gum erosion. 

Use fluoride treatment

Fluoride can strengthen tooth enamel and reduce the risk of tooth decay. One of the main reasons for a dentist visit is weakened enamel. When going to the dentist is not an option, the best way to deal with weakened enamel at home is with good oral hygiene and fluoride treatment. When enamel erodes, it is impossible to get back, so it is important to do everything possible to reduce the risk of enamel erosion. 

Limit acidic food

Even with good oral hygiene, enamel erosion may still be a potential concern if the person’s diet is filled with sugar and other carbohydrates. When visiting the dentist is not an option, it is even more important to reduce the intake of foods that may cause an acidic reaction inside the mouth and break down enamel. Instead, consume foods that are high in calcium, such as dairy products. 

Limit or quit smoking

Smoking and other tobacco products can increase the risk of periodontal disease. Tobacco users are also much more likely to develop mouth cancer than those who do not use tobacco products. Due to this, it is encouraged to limit smoking and the use of other tobacco products as much as possible until the next dental visit to reduce the risk of an oral health concern, such as periodontal disease. 

Drink water more often

Water can wash away harmful bacteria and food particles inside the mouth. It can also reduce the risk of dry mouth, which is beneficial for oral health as well. One great way to improve oral health and reduce the risk of an oral health concern until your next dentist visit is to drink water throughout the day. Ideally, it is best to replace soft drinks, tea, coffee and other dark beverages with as much water as possible. 

Consult with us for more oral hygiene tips

Reach out to our dental team today for more oral hygiene tips. We can answer your questions about oral hygiene until we can see you for your next checkup.

Request an appointment here: https://fortleefamilydental.com or call Fort Lee Family Dental at (201) 620-9772 for an appointment in our Fort Lee office.

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