Lockdown has caused many of us to have a different daily routine but that shouldn't mean we ignore our teeth and dental hygiene. To help ensure this doesn't happen, the Smile Place Dental team have put together a few tips that should help you maintain your dental health!
It’s vital we take care of ourselves at the moment and this includes our oral hygiene. So while we might all be tempted to skip a step or two in our daily routines, it’s important to remember that regular and thorough tooth brushing along with flossing is going to help prevent gum disease and tooth decay, allowing us to keep our teeth healthy for as long as possible.
Along with maintaining good oral hygiene it’s important to watch what we eat. We may be spending more time at home and therefore snacking more than usual, particularly on sugary foods and drinks. Try avoiding or at least limiting these sugary foods and drinks and if you do indulge make sure to drink plain water to rinse your teeth off. Also, avoid brushing your teeth for 30-40 minutes after snacking to avoid the acid you have created from softening your enamel, and therefore preventing damage when brushing.
Alcohol consumption has also increased during lockdown, so how does this impact your teeth?
Unfortunately the impact of too much alcohol can have major effects on the health of your teeth as alcohol is corrosive, causing harm to the enamel on your teeth. This means it can destroy the essential substance that protects your teeth and can lead to severe symptoms such as tooth sensitivity, tooth discolouration and even an increased risk of tooth decay. Like anything, moderation is key.
For many, these recent months have been a stressful period in one way or another. Stress can lead to tooth grinding or clenching which can then lead to headaches and toothaches along with cracked and broken teeth, a sore jaw and sensitivity. This is an involuntary occurrence called Bruxism that most people will get from time to time and some more regularly. Those who clench and grind when stressed may find it helpful to try some relaxation techniques, exercise regularly or stress management therapy. There is also a splint that can be custom made by your dentist to help keep the teeth apart so you wear down the splint and not your natural tooth structure.
Ultimately, we need to try and stick to our daily oral hygiene routine as taking care of your teeth every day will help keep your teeth and gums healthy. By following these five simple steps, you will be able to keep on top of a healthy cleaning routine for your teeth and gums:
It is important to note that due to the Level 3 Dental Restrictions we are limited to only seeing patients who are in pain. Keep up the good work with good eating habits and oral hygiene at home and if you are unsure if you meet the Covid-19 criteria for a dental appointment, please call us at any of our three clinics.
Take care everyone and we look forward to seeing you all soon.
Author Summary – Dr Chitra Rao
Dr. Chitra Rao has over a decade of experience in dentistry, specifically in the field of cosmetic and orthodontic treatments. Dedicated to achieving optimal results, she takes a detailed and personalised approach to creating beautiful, confident smiles for her patients. Outside of dentistry, Dr. Chitra enjoys staying active, traveling, and spending time with her family.
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