During COVID-19, it’s important to keep trips to the grocery store to an absolute minimum and conserve personal care products as much as possible. One of the primary shortages has been toilet paper which has prompted every household to use less. But there’s another commodity that’s also worth saving right now: oral hygiene products! To avoid seeing a family dentist in Moses Lake for dental work during or after COVID-19, oral hygiene habits are more important than ever. And not wasting toothpaste, floss and mouthwash will keep your teeth and gums healthy while also minimizing trips to the store. Keep reading to learn how much of each product to use to conserve as much as possible!
Toothpaste
You want to use enough toothpaste to effectively remove plaque and tartar, but you may be surprised at how little that actually is. In fact, the bristles actually do most of the cleaning. With that said, toothpaste is still important because it contains fluoride to prevent cavities, sudsing agents, and flavoring for fresh breath.
Here’s how much toothpaste to use for kids and adults:
- Adults – It’s common to think that the toothpaste has to cover the length of your toothbrush bristles, but adults only need about a pea-sized dab.
- Kids – Your dentist in Moses Lake recommends brushing children’s teeth with fluoridated toothpaste as soon as their first tooth comes in. Prior to age 3, use a very light smear or the size of a grain of rice. For kids older than 3, a pea-sized amount is plenty.
Floss
Flossing consistently prevents cavities and gum disease and also contributes to fresher breath. Using the right technique is also important, including using enough floss so that you’re using a clean piece between each pair of teeth. For most people, that’s about 18 inches.
Mouthwash
Mouthwash can be a great addition to brushing and flossing because it reaches the nooks and crannies that can otherwise be difficult to access. You only need to use the amount of mouthwash indicated on the label (usually about 2/3 of an ounce), and many have a cap with a “fill-to” line to make it easy and convenient.
With good oral hygiene each day, you and your family will have healthier smiles and need less dental work (which is especially important during COVID-19). And by using the right amount of each product, you’ll have everything you need to do a great job!
About the Author
As an experienced family dentist in Moses Lake, Dr. Craig R. Harder is dedicated to providing his community with outstanding dental care. He’s a big believer in the importance of good oral hygiene habits at home, especially during COVID-19, and is always happy to provide tips that help his patients be more effective. If you’d like to know more about your oral health during COVID-19 or have any questions, he can be reached via his website.