Maintain A Healthier Smile At Home

Right now, you’re probably finding yourself more homebound than usual, joining others in the goal to slow the spread of COVID-19 and flatten the curve. While you’re at home, you should still take steps to keep your smile healthy. In today’s blog, your North Hollywood, CA, dentist looks at how you can help protect your teeth and gums!

Brushing and Flossing

First, make sure you’re taking steps each day to clean your teeth and limit the severity of plaque buildup and tartar. To accomplish this, you need to brush and floss. When you wake and again before bed you need to brush your teeth for two minutes. Be sure you use a toothbrush with soft bristles, it can be electric or manual, and make sure your toothpaste contains fluoride, as this strengthens outer tooth enamel and protects the tooth. Before going to sleep each night, use floss to clean up and down each side of every tooth. Move under the gum line in a “c” motion when you do, as this helps remove trapped food particles. These actions limit the severity of plaque by denying bacteria particles of sugar and starch to break down, protecting your smile from cavities, infections, and even gum disease.

Better Diet Ideas

We mentioned that bacteria love to break down sugary and starchy particles, which means making positive changes to your diet helps protect your smile while you’re stuck at home. Instead of sugary and starchy items (like candy, chips, and sweets), try to enjoy more fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as low-fat yogurt, cheeses, and nuts. When you need a beverage, try to enjoy a glass of water instead of soda or energy drinks. Remember that sports drinks and even fruit juices also contain high amounts of sugars and acids.

When to Talk to Us

While our office is closed for most preventive, general, and cosmetic procedures, we still offer emergency treatment to repair damage to address pain in your tooth. If you experience pain or have chipped or cracked a tooth, let us know and we will schedule a time to see you. When you come in, know that we regularly clean and disinfect surfaces around the office in between each patient’s visit. If you have any questions about improving your oral health at home, then contact our team today.

Do You Have Questions About Preventive Care?

Our team wants to help you maintain a healthy smile, even if you’re stuck at home. For more information on our approach to preventive and general treatments, then schedule a consultation by calling Modern Smiles in North Hollywood, CA, today at 818-763-9353. We also proudly serve patients who live in Burbank, Toluca Lake, and all surrounding communities.