The current scenario of Coronavirus outbreak in the whole world is surely a shock for all of us and being home quarantined in this day and age is something we never imagined. In this situation, dentists have postponed elective procedures and will carry out only emergency interventions until further notice.
So, here are some simple tips to keep your teeth in good health.
- Avoid Stress: The stress during lockdown can lead to problems such as ulcers, dry mouth and jaw joint problems due to grinding of the teeth or gum diseases. If it is worrying you, do contact a dentist. Most importantly, avoid stress and in case of ulcers take Vitamin C tablets or eat lemons or oranges as they are rich in natural Vitamin C.
- Brush Properly: Brush your teeth for at least three minutes in the morning and before going to bed. Do rinse your mouth properly after every meal to avoid food residue sticking to the tooth. Use a toothbrush with a flexible handle; soft ones are preferred.
- Limit Sugary & Acidic Food: Bacteria in your mouth need sugar from food and drinks to produce acids and that acid dissolves and damages the teeth. These acids are the main reason for cavities (tooth decay). Frequent snacking on foods that are high in sugar increases the amount of time your teeth are exposed to the acids which in turn causes tooth decay.
- Refrain: From using fingernails, toothpicks and safety pins to remove food lodged between the teeth as these can hurt your gums and aggravate pain instead use dental floss, a toothbrush or interdental brushes.
- Drink Lots Of Water: Water helps to keep your mouth clean and fight dry mouth. Water washes away leftover food and residue that cavity-causing bacteria are looking for. It also dilutes the acids produced by the bacteria.
- Use Fluoride Toothpaste: Fluoride is absorbed into the enamel and helps to repair it by replenishing the lost calcium and phosphorus required to keep your teeth hard and also helps in dental sensitivity.
Tips For Kids To Stay Cavity-Free
In addition to the above measures, do avoid bedtime bottle/ breastfeeding as it is the main cause of tooth decay and pain in toddlers. And in case of teething discomfort in kids, massage the gums and give cold teether or cold spoons to relieve the discomfort.
I Have A Toothache What Should I Do?
First of all, self-examine, if there is a food particle or debris wedged alongside the tooth and if that is leading pain, try to dislodge it with toothbrush or floss, Avoid using any other sharp object.
If you can’t find anything lodged in your teeth
- Rinse thoroughly with warm saline water
- Brush your teeth gently
- Try and massage adjacent gums with glycerine
- Chew on clove as clove is a natural anaesthetic and have anti-bacterial properties
If the pain is still not subsiding do contact the dentist. If you have any more questions please comment in the box below and we will get them answered for you.
Parul Gupta
KSP Team
Janani S Koushik
KSP Promotions
Neha Savla
