Fortunately, you don’t need to be reminded of how important it is to visit your dentist on a regular basis for check-ups and cleanings. Maintaining six-month appointments is a way of life for you, but with most dentists temporarily only providing emergency dental care, where does that leave your oral health? Thankfully, you don’t have to worry about the condition of your teeth and gums suddenly declining. Read on to get some dental care tips from a dentist in Stephens City that you can act upon now!
You Can Always Clean Your Teeth More Often
At a minimum, you should be brushing and flossing two times a day, but there’s nothing stopping you from cleaning your teeth more often. Since you have some extra time on your hands, this is a great opportunity to really maximize your efforts by cleaning your teeth after every meal. So although oral bacteria are always on the prowl, looking for leftovers to feed on, you’ll be counteracting them by stepping up your dental hygiene.
Get a New Toothbrush
Generally, it’s recommended that you change toothbrushes every 60 to 90 days. That’s because germs and bacteria can accumulate between the bristles and serve as a hinderance to your efforts to clean your teeth. An unclean toothbrush can also leave you more vulnerable to sickness.
If you decide to make a new purchase, consider getting a toothbrush with soft bristles to ensure that your enamel and gums remain protected.
Try Out a Tongue Scraper
While brushing and flossing are mainstays for performing dental hygiene, they aren’t the only tools available to you. Consider using a tongue scraper as well. It’s made to gently glide over the surface to free debris and bacteria that get trapped between the papillae that line your tongue. By using it, you can expect fresher breath and even more fortification of your oral health.
Keep Your Toothbrush Clean
Once a week, it’s a good idea to thoroughly clean your toothbrush. Therefore, you won’t have to worry about oral bacteria and germs gathering and entering your mouth when you’re performing dental hygiene.
Here are some effective cleaning tips:
- Boil the toothbrush for five minutes.
- Run the toothbrush through a full dishwasher cycle.
- Soak the handle and brush in food-grade hydrogen peroxide.
There’s No Need to Panic
Until your dentist reopens to provide a full scope of services, you can protect yourself by implementing these simple yet effective suggestions. Therefore, you can maintain healthy and strong teeth and gums well into the future!
About the Author
Dr. Thomas A. Gromling earned his dental degree from the Medical College of Virginia at Virginia Commonwealth University. He has since gone on to provide over 30 years of high quality and compassionate care. Dr. Gromling understands how difficult and dynamic these times are, which is why he encourages his patients to be empowered through maintaining excellent dental care habits. If you have a dental emergency during the COVID-19 crisis, he is available to provide treatment at his private practice, and he can be reached for more information through his website.