Are you prone to getting cavities despite your best efforts? If so, you might come to rely on getting regular dental cleanings in order to keep your mouth free of plaque and other germs that cause cavities. With your dentist in Moses Lake closed for all non-emergency patients due to COVID-19, that means you can’t get your regular cleaning until they decide to reopen. Because of this, at-home oral hygiene is more important now than ever before. Here are a few tips to keep your mouth clean and healthy until your dentist reopens their practice.
Brush Enough
Many people brush their teeth twice a day like they should, but they don’t brush for as long as is recommended by most dentists. You should spend two minutes brushing every morning and night, with about 30 seconds devoted to each quarter of your mouth. If you need help brushing for long enough, sing the alphabet song to yourself a couple of times while brushing. Don’t stop until you reach “Z” twice.
Remember to Floss
It’s easy to remember to brush twice a day, but lots of people forget to floss. Some people remember, but neglect to partake in the habit because it takes a little more effort than brushing. However, flossing is the only way to remove food particles from between your teeth that could attract dangerous bacteria that contribute to cavities. Not only that, but flossing can freshen your breath as well. Get in the habit of placing your container of floss on your pillow so that you’re reminded to clean between your teeth every night.
Use Mouthwash
Adding mouthwash to your oral hygiene routine is a great way to give your mouth an extra boost of cleanliness. Rinsing with mouthwash cleans areas of your mouth that your toothbrush and floss just can’t reach. For extra protection against cavities, look for a mouthwash that contains fluoride.
Get a Tongue Scraper
Even after you brush, bacteria can remain on your tongue and deposit themselves back on your teeth, causing cavities and gum disease. Buy a tongue scraper at your local pharmacy or grocery store. They’re usually pretty cheap and can be found in the dental section. Run the scraper from the back to the front a few times after you brush but before you rinse.
Keep Your Toothbrush Clean
You don’t need to store your toothbrush in a brush cover to make sure it’s clean. Actually, the American Dental Association recommends against that. Keeping your brush in a dark, enclosed space can quickly attract bacteria. Instead, keep your brush in an open space and let it air dry.
Even if you’re not one of those people who frequently gets cavities, you can benefit from these oral hygiene tips. They can keep your mouth healthy and clean until your dentist reopens for teeth cleanings.
About the Author
Dr. Craig Harder has been a dentist in Moses Lake, WA for over 20 years and counting. He studied dentistry at Creighton University and his specialties are esthetics and minor orthodontics like Invisalign. Because of COVID-19, his practice is currently only treating emergency patients. If you think you have a dental emergency, don’t be afraid to contact Dr. Harder’s office at (509) 765-4351.