It can be challenging to keep your oral hygiene at the forefront of your mind, especially during times of uncertainty like the COVID-19 outbreak, when you can't see the dentist. When dental health is not on your list of top priorities, it's easy to let basic at-home routines slip—until a dental emergency springs up, and you appreciate the peace of mind that comes with healthy teeth and gums.
At Prosper Smiles Family Dentistry, we know that the last thing anyone needs is an emergency. That's our dentist in Prosper, TX believes in preventive dentistry to avoid minor or giant catastrophes.
Oral Care Is Easy to Maintain
The foundation of healthy teeth and gums relies on two necessary and straightforward actions: brushing and flossing. Twice daily brushing for at least two minutes enables Prosper, TX patients to brush away plaque and bacteria. When you brush daily, you remove the sticky film of plaque that can create cavities, tooth decay, and more.
If you're considering switching to an electric toothbrush—do it. Many have built-in timers, so you don't have to guess if it's been two minutes. It's crucial to be able to provide your teeth with high hygiene care when you can't see Dr. Vimal Patel in Prosper, TX for dental cleanings and exams.
Equally important is remembering to floss every day to get rid of food particles and plaque that hide between teeth. It can be easy to skip this step, but it is crucial to keeping you free of dental issues.
Many patients may rinse with a mouthwash after brushing. If you want to use a mouthwash, avoid alcohol-based mouth rinses since they can dry out your gums and mouth. Non-alcoholic mouthwashes can help reduce plaque build-up, which can result in gum inflammation (gingivitis).
Watch Your Lifestyle and Diet
What you eat and how you live can easily affect your oral biome. Smoking, for example, increases your risk for gum disease while also severely staining your teeth.
Eating foods rich in sugar and acids can create the perfect environment to breed bacteria, many of which can be harmful. By drinking plenty of water and enjoying more fruits and vegetables, you can keep your mouth and body healthy and happy.
Avoid stress triggers that revolve around your mouth like chewing on pens, fingernails, or other hard surfaces. It's easy to create stress fractures, cracks, or chips that can break your tooth.
Contact Our Dental Office in 75078 for Emergencies
At Prosper Smiles Family Dentistry, we are here to see patients if they are experiencing a dental emergency. If you're not sure what falls under an emergency, give our dental office a call. A team member will offer assistance and tips on how to handle your emergency until we can see you in our office.