Your smile relies on more than your toothbrush and floss to stay healthy. You’re also supposed to see your dentist in Dix Hills at least twice a year for a cleaning and checkup. Unfortunately, many dental offices are closed to help combat the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, your routine visit might have to wait. There’s no need to worry. Here are 5 tips to keep your smile healthy until you can see your dentist again.

1. Brush twice per day.

It’s recommended you brush your teeth in the morning and at night for 2 minutes each session. Commit to cleaning all surfaces of your teeth and your tongue using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. If your bristles look worn, it’s time to replace your toothbrush to ensure it effectively removes plaque and bacteria from your teeth.

2. Floss every night before bed.

Besides brushing, you also need to floss daily. Flossing cleans in-between your teeth and around your gum line where your toothbrush can’t reach. Use floss that has earned the American Dental Association’s Seal of Acceptance each night before going to bed to keep your gums healthy.

3. Limit your sugar consumption.

Sugar is a large contributor to tooth decay. When sugar combines with your saliva, it creates an acidic plaque, which will slowly erode your enamel until it creates a hole. Even during the early stages of decay, you can experience pain and sensitivity. You can reduce your risk of a cavity by limiting your consumption of sugary foods and drinks. If you can’t ignore your sweet tooth, be sure to brush your teeth well afterward. If you can’t get to your toothbrush, rinse your mouth with water.

4. Don’t use your teeth as tools.

We’re all guilty of using our teeth to tear open a package or cut tape. While your teeth can come in handy, it’s best to get the right tool for the job. Using your teeth as tools can lead to a dental emergency. Although it might take a moment longer, use scissors instead of your teeth.

5. Don’t chew on inedible objects.

If you have a habit of chewing on your nails when you’re nervous or biting on a pencil while you’re concentrating, you’re slowly chipping away at your enamel. This can lead to unpleasant news when you see your dentist again. It’s best to avoid chewing on inedible objects. You can chew sugarless gum if you need help breaking the habit.

Dentist Near Me for a Healthy Smile

If you can’t get into your dentist for your routine cleaning and checkup, it’s important to maintain your oral hygiene at home. With a proactive approach, you can keep your teeth and gums healthy until your next appointment.

About Dr. Raj Gaur

Dr. Raj Gaur has over a decade of experience as a general dentist. He focuses on prevention to ensure his patients’ smiles stay healthy. With over 350 hours of continuing education courses, you can rest assured your smile is in good hands. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment.