Life has been turned upside down for people all over the world since the COVID-19 crisis began. Most people are staying home all day and have lost the structure and routine that dictates their everyday habits, including how they eat and care for their teeth and gums. It’s safe to say that no one wants to end up needing extensive dental work from a dentist in Moses Lake, but with a few helpful tips, you won’t! Keep reading to learn about 4 bad habits to avoid at this time to help you maintain a healthy smile.
1. Throwing In the Towel On Brushing and Flossing
The better your oral hygiene habits are, the less likely you are to develop cavities, gum disease and other problems. That said, many people are finding it hard to stick to the normal routine of brushing twice a day and flossing once right now.
However, keep in mind that you don’t have to be perfect to reap any benefits. For example, flossing earlier in the day (like after lunch) isn’t as ideal as flossing at night because you want everything to be clean before you go to bed. However, it’s much better than not doing it at all.
Similarly, brushing once a day may not be perfect, but if that’s what’s realistic for you right now, try not to worry about it too much. Just don’t use it as a reason to throw in the towel completely.
2. Snacking or Grazing on Sweets
When you combine the stress of COVID-19 with being home all day, it’s easier than ever to reach for snacks. And when they’re sweet foods or beverages, your risk of getting cavities goes up quite a bit. One way to prevent tooth decay is by keeping low or no-sugar snacks on hand like:
- Boiled eggs
- Veggies and guacamole
- Lunchmeat
- Cheese
- Unsweetened apple sauce with cinnamon
- Plain, sugar-free yogurt with fresh fruit and nuts
- Cottage cheese
And, as much as possible, limit soda, juice, candy, dried fruit, and anything sticky like caramel or gummy bears.
3. Using Your Teeth as Tools
The last thing you want during COVID-19 is a dental emergency like broken dental work or a chipped tooth. To minimize the chances of that happening, use the right tools such as scissors or a bottle opener to open packages instead of your teeth.
4. Chewing On Ice, Hard Candies, Pens, Etc.
In times of stress, it’s easy to absentmindedly chew on ice, fingernails, hard candies, and pens. Unfortunately, these habits put your teeth and dental work at risk for chipping. Instead, try nibbling on crunchy vegetables like celery or carrots or chewing sugar-free gum. These substitutes will relieve stress without putting your teeth in danger.
COVID-19 has shaken up everyone’s day-to-day life. By avoiding these 4 habits, you’ll maintain a healthy smile and greatly minimize your chances of needing major dental work.
About the Author
Dr. Craig R. Harder has been a dentist in Moses Lake for more than 20 years. As part of his commitment to helping his patients maintain good oral health during COVID-19, he’s not only open for emergency care but also available for tips or advice over the phone. If you want to know more about good oral health habits or have any other questions, he can be reached via his website.