With the ongoing COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak interrupting routine dental care, you may find that you can’t visit your dentist normally. At Ward Periodontics, we’re doing our part to help slow the spread. While we are still offering teledentistry and emergency dental care, we are not currently seeing patients for routine preventive care.
So how can you make sure your mouth stays healthy, even when you can’t see Dr. Audra Ward for teeth cleanings and periodontal care? Follow the 5 tips we’ve put together below to protect your teeth and your gums.
Brush At Least Twice Per Day
At a minimum, you need to brush twice a day for two minutes. In fact, if you are able to do so, we recommend brushing three times a day for two minutes to keep your smile and gums healthy.
Brushing after breakfast, after lunch, and before you go to bed will ensure that you remove the maximum amount of plaque, bacteria, and food particles from your teeth, and will help prevent cavities and gum disease.
Make Sure You Floss Once Per Day
Along with brushing your teeth, flossing once per day will help you maintain a healthy mouth. It’s essential for cleaning plaque away from your gums and teeth, and removing food particles from places that your toothbrush simply can’t reach.
You can floss whenever you want throughout the day, as long as you maintain a consistent, once-daily flossing routine. If you need a refresher on proper flossing technique, just take a look at this video guide.
Use Mouthwash To Fight Against Gum Disease & Cavities
This is a great way to keep your mouth healthy, particularly if you have gum disease or have had gingivitis in the past. If Dr. Audra Ward has prescribed you with an antibacterial mouthwash like Peridex, make sure you’re using it according to her instructions.
If you don’t have a prescription mouthwash, it’s still a good idea to use an antibacterial or antiseptic mouthwash to rinse your mouth and keep it healthy. For the best results, you can rinse your mouth after flossing. This will help remove food particles that have been loosened during the flossing process.
Make Sure You Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated is essential for your overall health and for your oral health. If you don’t drink enough water, your saliva flow will be reduced, and your saliva will thicken. This means your saliva won’t be able to rinse away as much bacteria, plaque, and food particles. In turn, this raises your risk of gum disease and cavities. Make sure you drink plenty of water throughout the day to avoid this, and keep your mouth healthy!
Eat A Tooth-Healthy Diet
You should avoid sugary foods and drinks, as well as snacks with a lot of simple carbohydrates like potato and tortilla chips, and pretzels. The bacteria that cause gum disease and cavities love eating starch and sugar.
Instead, try to eat a healthy diet full of fresh fruits and vegetables, healthy dairy products like yogurt, lean meats, and whole grains. Not only is this good for your mouth, but it’s good for your body, too!
Follow These Tips For A Healthier Mouth In Overland Park!
Even if you can’t see Dr. Audra Ward for your regular teeth cleaning and oral exam, these 5 tips will help you keep your teeth and gums strong and healthy. Wondering when we’ll be accepting patients for routine cleanings again? Get the latest updates by contacting Ward Periodontics online or giving us a call at (913) 563-7400.