Daily Care Health Tips
Due to the difficult epidemiological situation, dentists in many regions conduct appointments only for acute pain, and it is recommended to postpone the solution of other problems. How to properly dailhy care for the oral cavity to minimize the risk of dental diseases?
According to official statistics, the number of cases of coronavirus infection is gradually decreasing in Russia, but a new surge in incidence is expected in November-December. Therefore, if you need a crown or other non-urgent treatment, schedule a visit to the doctor in early September. Prefer a trusted clinic that sterilizes equipment, regularly disinfects surfaces, and purifies the air around the clock. And remember that it is important not only to choose the optimal time, but in anticipation of a visit to the dentist, take care of your teeth with extra care.
4 basic rules for daily care.
- First rule for daily care Brush your teeth twice a day, morning and evening. Some people prefer to brush their teeth right after waking up, but many dentists recommend brushing after breakfast [2]. Important: if you drink acidic drinks or foods (juice, carbonated drinks, acidic fruits), it is better to brush your teeth half an hour after eating or later, so as not to damage the enamel.
- Avoid too hard toothbrushes, as well as horizontal movements when brushing your teeth, as this can damage the enamel. Hold your toothbrush at a 45° angle to the tooth surface.
- After brushing and as needed throughout the day, floss to remove plaque and food debris from between your teeth. Neglecting this rule, you risk getting caries of the contact surfaces of the teeth.
- Use mouthwash after brushing. During the day after meals, you can rinse your mouth with water.
How diet affects dental health
Tooth decay develops faster if you eat sugary or starchy foods. It sticks to the surface of the teeth, increases the acidity of the oral cavity and promotes the active reproduction of bacteria. Therefore, between meals, try to avoid sweet, sticky snacks – it is better to replace them with fresh vegetables, fruits or cheese. Sugary drinks also damage your teeth.
While regular professional cleanings or dental whitening are likely to be difficult, minimize consumption of staining foods and drinks. Tooth enamel has a porous structure, which is penetrated by pigments from strong tea, black coffee, red wine, beets, berries, as well as sauces and spices of rich color.
How to brush your teeth properly
The best way to learn how to properly brush your teeth is to visit a dentist or hygienist. Consultation is especially important for people with braces, dentures and defects in the dentition.
Standard recommendations include several cleaning steps, none of which should be skipped.
- Wet your toothbrush and apply a small amount of toothpaste. Place your toothbrush at a 45° angle to the surface of your teeth. Start cleaning movements from the right upper chewing teeth (the farthest) and from the side of the cheek, then from the side of the tongue, successively move to the front. With a toothbrush, make sweeping movements from the gum to the edge of the tooth.
- Move to the chewing surface and brush it by moving the toothbrush horizontally back and forth. Try to penetrate as deep as possible into the natural recesses (pits, fissures) on the teeth.
- Continue brushing the lower chewing teeth and then the entire lower jaw.
- Close your jaws and massage the gums of both jaws in a circular motion.
- The final step: clean the surface of the tongue with a special scraper or pad on the back of the toothbrush head.
- Clean the interdental spaces with dental floss or tape. Then use a mouthwash.
What to do with emergency dental problems
Even if you are afraid of contracting the coronavirus, some dental problems require immediate medical attention. These include a sharp toothache, a painful abscess, and a loose, broken, or knocked-out tooth. If you have this situation, contact your dentist, go to the dental emergency room, or call a mobile team, if one is available in your city.
Read More: 5 Tips to Live a Healthier Life
