Maintaining Optimal Oral Health At Home

Many people in our Woodland Hills, CA, community are practicing social distancing and staying home when possible to help protect members of their community from COVID-19, or Coronavirus. But just because you’re staying at home doesn’t mean you need to neglect your smile’s health! In today’s blog, we’re talking about what you can do to protect your smile from home.

What Causes Poor Oral Health?

When we don’t eat a healthy diet, and also neglect to brush and floss properly, this creates an environment in which plaque buildup coats the teeth. Over time, plaque could increase the risk of tooth decay and gum disease, as this buildup weakens and erodes outer enamel and also inflames gum tissues. Which means daily care, as well as better oral hygiene, could help keep your smile healthy until you can see us for a routine checkup and cleaning again!

Better Brushing and Flossing

You should brush your teeth when you wake up, and once again before going to bed each night. Each session should take about two minutes, and use a toothbrush with soft bristles and a toothpaste that contains fluoride. The fluoride ingredients actually help strengthen outer tooth enamel. Before bed, we also suggest flossing your teeth as well. You move the floss tape up and down each side of each individual tooth, and make contact with the gum line when you do, which helps remove stray food particles. Doing this each day, without exceptions, helps protect the smile from serious complications and painful symptoms, like toothaches or sore, bleeding gums!

Watching What You Eat

When you eat a healthier diet, you help deprive oral bacteria of a meal, which lowers the risk of cavities and periodontal issues. You should cut back on candies and chips, which have high amounts of sugar and starch. Instead, try to consume more fruits, veggies, low-fat yogurt, sugar-free gum, nuts, and cheeses. These don’t have sugar and they contain essential vitamins and nutrients! When you need a beverage, try to drink more water, as sodas, energy drinks, sports drinks, and even some fruit juices have high amounts of sugars and acids, which could weaken and erode enamel and lead to plaque buildup. If you have any questions about better diets or routine homecare, then contact our team today.

Do You Have Questions About Dental Hygiene?

If you have any questions about caring for your smile at home, or if you encounter a dental emergency, then let us know. For more information on general and preventive dental care, please schedule a consultation by calling Woodland Hills Dental Arts in Woodland Hills, CA today at 818-347-5124. We also proudly welcome patients from Thousand Oaks, Westlake, and all surrounding communities.