In times of pandemic, you can often find it hard to take care of yourself. It’s not surprising when you only have the time to eat food for your survival and spend your time trying to stop the spread of the disease. But some people neglect themselves during the pandemic because they have a lot going on on their hands. One of those is taking care of your personal hygiene, and that includes brushing and flossing.
During the pandemic, you might need tooth replacement. There are replacement options, but they only work for a certain number of years or even months, after which you will have to replace them once more.
But you can take care of your pearly whites before these problems arise. Here are some tips on taking care of your teeth during the pandemic:
- 1. See a dentist regularly
- 2. Brush and floss
- 3. Don’t skip meals
- 4. Use a straw when drinking
- 5. Rinse with saltwater
- 6. Chew sugar-free gum
- 7. Visit your dentist when feeling discomfort
- 8. Eat raw vegetables
- 9. Stop smoking
- 10. Limit your intake of sugary food
- 11. Eat more calcium-rich food
- 12. Avoid drinking alcohol
1. See a dentist regularly
Get to your dentist regularly, even when there is no pandemic. Just make sure that there are still supplies in the clinic because if not, you will have a hard time looking for one during the pandemic.
2. Brush and floss
Brush your teeth at least twice a day but avoid using toothpaste with fluoride as it can be dangerous during the pandemic, especially when the food supply goes low or may run out soon. If available, use baking soda instead of toothpaste. Floss once a day to get rid of any food particles stuck in between your teeth, and don’t forget to brush them too before doing so.
3. Don’t skip meals
Skipping meals is not a good idea during a pandemic. You might lose your energy and become sick. Make sure to have at least three square meals every day so that you can have the strength to take care of yourself and your teeth as well.
4. Use a straw when drinking
This will help avoid liquids from coming into contact with your teeth and gums, which can cause tooth decay and other dental problems.
5. Rinse with saltwater
Mix one teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and rinse your mouth with it for about two minutes every day. It can help get rid of bad bacteria and reduce the risk of gum disease.
6. Chew sugar-free gum
Chewing sugar-free gum helps produce saliva in the mouth, which can reduce tooth decay. Avoid gums filled with sugar or artificial sweeteners because they are dangerous during the pandemic.
7. Visit your dentist when feeling discomfort
If you feel any pain in your teeth, visit your dentist immediately to have it checked if there are no problems and receive necessary treatment for it. Otherwise, you’ll just have to deal with more serious dental issues that would be difficult to handle during the pandemic.
8. Eat raw vegetables
Salads are good for people’s teeth because of the presence of calcium in vegetables like carrots, celery, and broccoli, among others. It also helps cleanse your gums while helping them become healthier at the same by getting rid of bacteria.
9. Stop smoking
Smoking is one of the worst things you can do to your teeth and general health. It causes tooth decay, bad breath, and stained teeth. If you can’t stop smoking, then at least try to cut down on the number of cigarettes you smoke every day. There are also alternatives to smoking that you can try, like nicotine gums and lozenges to stop yourself from smoking.
10. Limit your intake of sugary food
Those types of food are the ones most likely to cause tooth decay. Aside from restricting sugary food, eat healthy food like vegetables and fruits for a balanced diet that is good for your teeth and the rest of your body.
11. Eat more calcium-rich food
Make sure you get enough calcium in your system, which you can find in dairy products like milk, yogurt, and cheese, among others. This mineral works best when consumed together with vitamin D to keep your bones strong and prevent them from becoming brittle during the pandemic or anytime in general.
12. Avoid drinking alcohol
Drinking alcohol excessively can cause dental problems such as tooth decay and gum disease. Try to drink in moderation or avoid it altogether if possible to maintain good oral health. Alcoholic drinks can also cause dehydration, causing your mouth to become dry, increasing the bacteria in it, leading to tooth decay.
These are just some tips on taking care of your teeth during the pandemic, but it is best to consult your dentist for more specific advice. Ensure that you always have a good supply of toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss, and other dental hygiene products that you need to regularly use for your teeth. If you can, try to have an extra one or two just in case. You can also make do with toothbrushes with soft bristles because the hard ones may cause damage to your gums, and they are harder to find during the pandemic.
