How to Floss (Everyday!)

Brushing your teeth daily may seem like a no-brainer, but why do most people’s oral hygiene routines stop there? One of the main reasons why people do not floss as regularly as they brush is simply because they don’t know how to properly. Flossing is an important oral hygiene habit and it’s up to you to stay on top of your oral health and maintain your pearly whites!

Why should I floss?

Flossing is a critical hygiene habit that not only cleans and dislodges food particles stuck between your teeth, it also reduces the amount of bacteria and plaque in your mouth, that can cause cavities and gum disease.

How do I floss properly?

  1. Break off 18 inches of dental floss.
  2. Stand in front of a mirror.
  3. Twist the floss around each middle finger. Be sure to leave an inch or two of floss to work with.
  4. Pull the floss taut between your thumbs and index fingers.
  5. Slide gently up and down, between your teeth.
  6. Carefully, sweep the floss around the base of each tooth/gum line.
  7. Adjust along the piece of floss to use clean sections for in between each tooth. Reusing dental floss can redistribute bacteria to other parts of your mouth, even if you rinse it.
  8. Gently remove the floss from in between your teeth using the same back-and-forth motion used to bring the floss towards the gumline.
  9. To dispose of dental floss, roll it into a ball and put it into the trash.

Which type of floss should I use?

There are several types of dental floss, but not all forms are created equal. While some types work well for someone with braces or other dental appliances, others are created for different smiles and ease of use.

  1. Standard floss is maybe the most common type of dental floss. This thin, nylon floss is ideal for someone with a crowded smile or teeth that are close together. Standard floss typically comes waxed or unwaxed, although waxed floss can make it a lot easier to get in between tight spaces.
  2. Dental tape is wider than Standard Floss and flat like a ribbon. This type of dental floss is ideal for someone with braces and other dental appliances, gaps, or large spaces in between their teeth.
  3. Super floss is another type of dental floss recommended for people with braces, dental appliances, bonding, and spacing. This dental floss ‘threader’ has a reinforced tip for ease when feeding it between your teeth, as well as regular floss to remove plaque beneath the gum line.
  4. Floss picks are small plastic tools with curved ends and short, built-in pieces of floss. Although this type of floss has gained popularity in recent years, the amount of floss on each pick encourages a possible redistribution of bacteria to other parts of the mouth, even if it is cleaned. These are great to keep in one’s pocket or purse for emergencies, but should not be used as a replacement for string floss.
  5. Water flossers are handheld devices that remove food and bacteria from the crevices of your mouth using water pressure. Water flossing technology can be a great alternative for those with braces, retainers, implants, and gingivitis.

How do I floss with braces?

  1. Break off 18 to 24 inches of waxed dental floss.
  2. Stand in front of a mirror.
  3. Thread the floss between your teeth and the main wire.
  4. Twist the floss around each middle finger. Be sure to leave an inch or two of floss to work with.
  5. Pull the floss taut between your thumbs and index fingers.
  6. Gently press the floss between your teeth. Then, in a ‘U’ shape move the dental floss to and from the gum line along the side of one tooth and then down the other.
  7. Carefully unthread the floss from behind the wire.
  8. Repeat for each tooth.
  9. To dispose of dental floss, roll it into a ball and place it in the trash.

Your oral hygiene involves more than just brushing your teeth. It also involves flossing and knowing how to use floss correctly (everyday!) Flossing is a critical oral hygiene habit that helps remove plaque buildup and bacteria from between your teeth and around the gum line and should be done daily. Remember, good oral health leads to better overall health and one should see their dental teams for routine cleanings every 4-6 months, even while practicing regular brushing and flossing.

If you would like to learn more, please do not hesitate to give us a call or contact us to book an appointment.

Will a Healthy Smile Help You Find More Success?

We all want to be confident in our smiles, but what we may not realize is that with a healthy smile, we have the opportunity to positively impact nearly every aspect of our lives. If more people truly understood this, we think a lot more people would be visiting their dentist regularly.

Healthy teeth and gums improve our nutrition, our overall physical health, and many other aspects of our lives. From your confidence to your income, a beautiful smile has been scientifically shown to make a huge difference in improving the state of our lives. Here are just a few of the benefits of a healthy smile.

Emotional

You may have heard that the simple act of smiling can help you feel happier. As it turns out, this is actually true. If you don’t believe us, try it for yourself right now. Did that forced smile turn into a real one?
Psychologists have been studying this phenomenon since the early 1970s and have found overwhelming support. The results of 138 studies, testing more than 11,000 patients across the world were compiled by students at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. From that research, they came to the conclusion that, just as our emotions dictate our facial expressions, so too can our expressions dictate our moods to a certain extent.

Financial

Independent studies commissioned by Crest have found that a beautiful white smile has a direct effect on successful interpersonal interactions, both socially and professionally. Specifically, those with whiter smiles were more likely to be hired for the job they wanted. Other studies have demonstrated similar results. In one case, more than half of the participants were more likely to be hired and received larger salary offers that those with dimmer smiles.

Social

In what’s known as the “Halo Effect”, people tend to attribute many other positive qualities to you when they recognize one easily. Frequently, a beautiful smile is the first attribute that many will associate with other positive characteristics.

Those individuals with beautiful smiles are then often perceived as smarter, happier, more confident, more attractive, and more successful. As a result, a healthy smile is more likely to get you more friends, and that second or third date.

Great dental care can improve more than just your smile. It can truly transform your life. If you’re ready to make a change and receive the care you need, schedule your next appointment with our dental office. We’ll be here to help you create and maintain your healthiest smile and your happiest life. Call today!

CDA Clarifies WHO Considerations to Delay Non-essential Oral Healthcare are not Relevant for Canada, but for Countries with Widespread COVID-19 Outbreaks

The Canadian Dental Association (CDA) has strongly disagreed with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) guidance to delay non-essential oral healthcare during the COVID-19 pandemic. The advice is not applicable for Canada as it has largely contained widespread community transmissions and is only experiencing cluster-contained outbreaks, which allows for routine oral health care to be provided. 

Canadian dentistry has among the highest infection control standards in the world and has been proactive in applying similar considerations during the peak infection period earlier in the year to protect the public health. 

Read more about CDA’s response to WHO 

Oral Hygiene and COVID-19

In an article published in the British Dental Journal volume 228 no. 12, researchers have identified a possible connection between the oral microbiome and COVID-19 complications. The oral microbiome refers to the colonies of bacteria that reside in your teeth, gums, tongue, cheeks, palate, and tonsils and is comprised of over 600 different types of bacteria.

The researchers suggest that the oral microbiome and its link to COVID-19 symptom severity should be investigated further to establish the importance of oral hygiene and pre-existing oral disease in the severity of COVID-19 symptoms. The four main comorbidities associated with an increased risk of complications from COVID-19 are also associated with altered oral biofilms and periodontal disease. Bacteria that can be present in mouths with periodontal disease, are also implicated in systemic inflammation, bacteraemia, pneumonia, and even death.

In order to reduce the bacterial load in the mouth and the potential risk of a bacterial superinfection, the researchers go on to recommend that oral hygiene be maintained, if not improved during the COVID-19 pandemic. They also recommend that poor oral hygiene be considered a risk to post-viral complications. That risk can be increased in patients who are already predisposed to altered biofilms due to diabetes, hypertension, or cardiovascular disease. Bacteria present in patients with severe COVID-19 are associated with the oral cavity and improved oral hygiene may play a part in reducing the risk.

As we learn more about the link between overall health and oral health, it’s becoming more and more clear that the two are inextricably linked together.

If you do not have your next hygiene appointment scheduled, contact your local Altima Clinic today.

For tips on how you can maintain your oral hygiene at home, read this related blog article on At-home Oral Healthcare Tips.

Source: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41415-020-1747-8.pdf

Dental DIY Don’ts

Some things should not be do it yourself (DIY), and dentistry is one of those things. With accessibility and affordability being the main appeal of at-home or direct-to-consumer dentistry, we understand why these alternatives seem like a good idea. However, not all smiles are created equal, and some things should be left to the professionals. We have compiled a list of the top dental DIY don’ts that can do more harm than good, in the short and long run, and will explain why visiting your local dentist may be a better, more affordable, option for you.

Filing Teeth with Nail Files

This DIY don’t is painful enough to read, but believe it or not, people do try to file their own teeth with at-home supplies. Dental professionals advise patients not to try this, ever! Why, you may ask? Well, the act of filing teeth is not as easy as it sounds and requires proper safety, tools, and technique. Patients risk damaging their enamel and tooth structure by filing off too much of their tooth. This can lead to misshaped teeth, tooth sensitivity and rapid tooth wear.

Whitening Teeth with Citrus Rinds

This may seem like an ingenious way to leave no part of your fruit unused, but this method can quickly lead to long term harm. It is often believed that citrus fruit can naturally whiten teeth and freshen breath, and while this may appear to be the case, this is not necessarily true. Citrus fruit is extremely acidic and when your teeth are exposed to acids the hard, outer layer of your teeth, known as enamel, breaks down. The “results” you may see after using citrus to whiten your teeth is actually a consequence of stripping your tooth enamel, which can cause decay and make future staining easier.

DIY Aligners

As direct-to-consumer orthodontics becomes more prevalent, dental professionals and consumers alike are realizing the truth about DIY aligners. With cost and convenience being the two main selling points, the number one reason for seeking out aligner treatment in the first place (to straighten teeth predictably and comfortably) is often overlooked. In-person consultations with real doctors and dental professionals are important, especially when seeking out serious dental work. Tooth and gum health, the severity of misaligned teeth and bites, are all factors that play into determining whether someone is a potential candidate for aligners or braces. Numerous orthodontists have even reported seeing people with gum disease or tooth decay using DIY aligners, which not only jeopardizes their oral and overall health, but confirms that at-home or online programs aren’t worth the ‘discount’.

At-Home Extractions

Affordability aside, performing an at-home tooth extraction without the proper training and equipment can be very dangerous, and can even cause more pain, damage, and financial stress in the long run. Although pulling a tooth may seem rather simple, the risk for infection, breaking teeth, severely damaging bone and tearing through mouth tissues is very high. Toothaches are bothersome, we get it, but if the pain does not subside on its own it usually means that there is a much deeper issue at play such as infection, decay, an abscess, etc. Remember, while it may be appropriate to gently remove a loose baby tooth, you should never pull an adult tooth.

Brushing Teeth with Baking Soda

Baking soda, a common fixture in every kitchen for baking, cooking and household cleaning, has also gained popularity as an alternative for brushing teeth. Although baking soda can be part an effective part of a toothpaste’s formula, homemade baking soda toothpaste lacks the fluoride necessary to prevent cavities and tooth decay. For patients with orthodontic appliances, baking soda can even soften the dental glues used to hold your braces or retainers in place. Toothpastes with baking soda in them are different because the baking soda granules have been finely ground to ensure that the paste is gentle enough for teeth, and with added fluoride in the toothpaste formula can fight cavities, which baking soda alone cannot do.

Remember, dentistry is not expensive, neglect is. Although some of the dental DIYs listed above may seem clever and cost-effective at first glance, the risks involved are not worth it in the long run. You only have one smile and you should treat it as such. For more information on the various dental services we offer, please click here.

Does A Healthy Mouth Mean A Healthy Heart?

Research has shown the connection between oral health and heart health. People who have poor oral health pose a higher risk of having cardiovascular problems. Studies have linked periodontal disease (gum disease) to numerous health conditions including heart attack and stroke. As the mouth is the primary gateway to bacteria and viruses, oral bacteria can cause harm to blood vessels or cause blood clots because of the toxins that it releases. These toxins resemble proteins found in the artery walls or the bloodstream. Bacteria from the mouth, especially bacteria from gum disease due to bleeding gums, can enter the bloodstream causing it to form fatty plaques around the artery walls, contributing to an environment for heart disease. 

What is periodontal (gum) disease?

Gum disease is the inflammation of the gums. People who have severe gum disease experience the breakdown of the gums, teeth, and bones that hold them in place. Sore, swollen gums are the main symptoms of gum disease. 

Two main types:

  • Gingivitis
  • Periodontitis

Both gingivitis and periodontitis raise concerns of heart disease as it allows bacteria and other toxins to spread below the gumline. 

How is gum disease connected to heart health?

Scientists have proposed theories regarding the connection between oral health and heart health:

  • Bacterial build-up and inflammation in the oral cavity can eventually lead to the narrowing and blockage of blood vessels
  • The body’s immune system response, inflammation, sets off a cascade of vascular damage throughout the body, including the heart and brain

A recent study has also linked teeth loss (due to poor oral health) to coronary heart disease. 

Proactive Prevention

Practicing good oral hygiene can reduce the risk of gum disease. Follow these steps to maintain a healthy mouth:

  • Brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste
  • Clean between teeth daily with floss or an interdental cleaner
  • Eat a balanced diet and limit between-meal snacks
  • Visit your dentist regularly for oral examinations and professional cleanings

Your dentist and hygienist are trained to identify periodontitis and gingivitis so it is important to visit them regularly. It is vital that you maintain good oral health in order to reduce the risk of gum disease and other health conditions. A healthy mouth and a healthy lifestyle can help you keep your beautiful smile. 

If you would like to learn more, please do not hesitate to give us a call or contact us to book an appointment.

What Should I Expect At My Next Dental Appointment?

We can start cleaning your teeth again! Although, our procedures will look a little different at your next dental appointment. We are just as excited to see your smiles as you are to see us, and we are taking the proper precautions, as outlined by the dental colleges of Canada, to ensure patient comfort, knowledge, and safety. From pre-screening protocols to in-clinic practices, here is a breakdown of what you can expect at your next dental appointment during COVID-19:

  • Please wear a mask to the clinic. If you don’t have one, your dental clinic will provide you with one.
  • All our staff will be wearing protective gear for everyone’s health and safety.
  • Leave your cell phone number with your dental clinic and wait outside the clinic.
  • Staff will ask you over-the-phone screening questions and screening questions upon arrival, related to COVID-19.
  • Only patients with appointments are asked to enter the clinic. One guardian will be permitted.
  • Please use hand sanitizer when you enter the clinic.
  • Staff will measure your temperature and ask you to gargle with hydrogen peroxide.
  • There will be no magazines, children’s toys, or coffee available in the waiting room.
  • Physical distancing is in effect. Staff will maintain 6 feet of distance at all times.
  • Dental staff will be wearing face shields when they see you.
  • Dental staff will be using new surgical gowns for every patient, for everyone’s safety.
  • Your cleaning appointment might require a little more time:
  • Dental Hygienists will be hand-scaling your teeth to get them clean. Dental clinics can’t use some of the mechanical equipment, for now.
  • Dental Hygienists will not be polishing your teeth at this time.
  • Dental staff are not permitted to use high-pressure air and water, for now.
  • Please allow us enough time for enhanced disinfection between patients.
  • Please reschedule your appointment if anyone in your household had flu-like symptoms in the last 2 weeks.
  • Ask about additional updated safety measures at your clinic.
  • If you start feeling ill with flu-like symptoms within 14 days of your appointment, call your dental clinic immediately. You may have already been carrying the virus at the time of your dental appointment, and anyone who came into contact with you may be at risk for getting sick as well.

With dental teams across the country reopening their offices for in-clinic treatment, we must remember that there is still a pandemic happening. Wait times may be a little longer, appointments may be scheduled further out, and treatment may not include the same services they once did, pre-COVID-19, but patient safety is (and always will be) first and foremost. We look forward to seeing your smiles again and appreciate your patience and understanding during these times of change.

If you would like to learn more, please do not hesitate to give us a call or contact us to book an appointment.

 

How Dirty Is Your Toothbrush?

Did you know that the average toothbrush can contain more than 10 million bacteria, including E. coli and Staph? Did you also know that you can avoid the spread of those germs by regularly cleaning your toothbrush? It is recommended that you change your toothbrush or electric toothbrush head every three months or after you have been sick to avoid the spread of germs. However, cleaning your toothbrush regularly can remove other harmful bacteria that can potentially jeopardize your oral health. Now more than ever, it is crucially important to take appropriate safety measures and avoid the spread of germs and viruses. To help you keep your toothbrush germ-free, we have compiled a list of the safest and most effective ways you can clean your toothbrush (and keep it clean) at home.

Clean Your Toothbrush with Mouthwash

Soak your toothbrush in a cup of antibacterial mouthwash – mouthwash containing alcohol will kill off more of the bacteria. Stir the bristled end of your toothbrush or electric toothbrush head around for 30 seconds, this will loosen any food particles, hardened toothpaste or germs from the last use.

Clean Your Toothbrush with Baking Soda

Soak your toothbrush in a cup of water with 2 teaspoons of baking soda. Baking soda has antibacterial activity and has been found to kill bacteria that is a major contributor to tooth decay. However, baking soda may be ineffective against fighting salmonella, E. coli and Staph, and has been linked to destroying the oral microbiome, which many dental professionals deem counterproductive to achieving optimal oral health.

Clean Your Toothbrush with Vinegar

Although this biodegradable alternative cannot kill dangerous bacteria like Staph, vinegar can be an effective disinfectant against some bacteria and viruses, including the flu. Stir the bristled end of your toothbrush or electric toothbrush head in a cup of vinegar for 30 seconds to breakdown and remove food proteins, bacteria and hardened toothpaste.

Clean Your Toothbrush with Hydrogen Peroxide

Keep your toothbrush is a 3% Hydrogen Peroxide solution – mix 1 teaspoon of Hydrogen Peroxide in 1 cup of water. Make sure that you use enough solution to cover the head of the toothbrush and change the solution daily for an effective clean. Remember, Hydrogen Peroxide has antimicrobial properties but can be harmful and should only be used at concentrations lower than 3% to disinfect.

Clean Your Toothbrush with Denture Cleaner

Sanitize your toothbrush or electric toothbrush head by soaking it in a cup of water with a denture cleaner tablet. These antibacterial cleaning products work by breaking down food protein and bacteria deposits, and loosening particles stuck between the bristles. These cleansers are formulated for oral use, so this is a safer disinfectant option if you are wary about using Hydrogen Peroxide or other solutions.

Clean Your Toothbrush in Your Dishwasher

Disinfect your toothbrush by putting it in your dishwasher either with your utensils or on the top rack. If you are using an electric toothbrush and wish to clean your toothbrush head in the dishwasher, place it in a dishwasher-safe case to ensure their stability during the cycle.

Tips to Keep Your Toothbrush Clean

  • Wash your hands with soap before and after touching your toothbrush. This is a safe way to avoid potentially spreading anything to or from your mouth.
  • Rinse your toothbrush before and after every use by holding it under hot water. This will soften the bristles and release any particles from the last use.
  • Store your toothbrush inches away from other toothbrushes. Shared toothbrush holders are often too small for safe storing.
  • Keep your toothbrush far away from the toilet and always flush the toilet with the top lid down, to minimize the spread of airborne bacteria particles.
  • Air dry your toothbrush by shaking the excess water from the bristles and storing it upright. Storing your toothbrush head down places the bristles in residue at the bottom of the toothbrush holder and allows for bacteria from the handle to drip down onto the bristles.
  • Clean your toothbrush holder regularly using soap and water or any of the recommended toothbrush cleaning techniques above.
  • Hold your toothbrush away from the tip of your toothpaste tube or pump to reduce the chances of cross-contaminating your toothbrush or toothpaste.
  • Only place a toothbrush cover or protector on a dry toothbrush to safeguard from airborne or hand-held germs.

 

Brushing your teeth for two minutes, twice a day is very important. The cleanliness of your toothbrush is equally important when it comes to the quality of brush your smile is getting. To maintain optimal oral health at home during the COVID-19 pandemic, be sure to clean your teeth with a fresh, soft-bristled toothbrush every day.

If you would like to learn more, please do not hesitate to give us a call or contact us to book an appointment.

How To Conduct An Oral Cancer Self-Exam

Every year in April, Oral Cancer Awareness Month helps bring attention to the disease and highlights the importance of regular oral cancer screenings. Although it is recommended that your visit your dental team regularly for in-clinic exams, at-home oral cancer self-examinations should be conducted monthly. Now that you can’t visit a professional for an exam, we have put together a step-by-step guide for examining your own mouth at home.

You Will Need:

  • Hand soap
  • Flashlight
  • Small mirror
  • Piece of gauze
  • Wall mirror

Step 1: Wash your hands properly for 20 seconds with hand soap.

Step 2: Check both sides of your face and neck in the mirror, they should look the same.

Step 3: Look for any changes in skin colour, moles that have changed, lumps or sores on your face and neck.

Step 4: Gently feel both sides of your jaw and neck using your fingertips looking for bumps, lumps and sore spots.

Step 5: Place your fingers over your “Adam’s apple” and swallow. It should move up and down, not side to side. Record any hoarseness that lasts longer than two weeks.

Step 6: Remove any orthodontic appliances or dentures from your mouth.

Step 7: Using clean hands, check the inside of your mouth with a clean flashlight and small mirror.

Step 8: Examine the roof of your mouth for changes in colour or lumps. Gently press against the roof of your mouth using your index finger. Record any colour changes or feel.

Step 9: Using your index finger, check the floor of your mouth. Record any colour changes, feel or change in mouth shape.

Step 10: Using a piece of gauze, pull out your tongue. Examine all sides, feel your tongue with clean fingers, and record any colour changes, feel or swelling.

Step 11: Examine your gums. Gently run your index finger over your upper and lower gums. Record any colour changes, bumps, lumps or tenderness that last longer than 14 days.

Step 12: Gently flip your upper lip up and then your lower lip down to check for bumps, lumps or colour changes. Use your index finger and thumb to gently pinch your lips and cheeks. Feel for bumps, lumps or tenderness. Record any loss of feeling, pain or areas that bleed unreasonably.

It’s important to learn to recognize the normal conditions of your own mouth so that you can detect abnormal conditions and report anything unusual to a dental professional or a medical specialist. When detected early, oral cancer has an estimated 80 percent survival rate, so it is important to incorporate the 12-step self-screening process above into your monthly routine. If you record any suspicious abnormalities in your mouth, neck or on your lips, please contact your dental team or medical specialist immediately.

For more information on oral cancer signs and symptoms, risk factors and prevention tips, check out our blog ‘Leading Causes of Oral Cancer’.

If you would like to learn more, please do not hesitate to give us a call or contact us to book an appointment.

At-home Oral Healthcare Tips

In these unprecedented times of staying at home and self-isolating, good at-home oral healthcare is even more important. Now that you can’t visit a professional for oral hygiene, it is up to you to make sure that your teeth, tongue, and gums get the best possible self-care. We have compiled a list of five important at-home oral healthcare tips for you and your loved ones to follow for optimal oral health in quarantine:

  1. Clean your toothbrush

First and foremost, it is important that you wash your hands with soap before and after touching your toothbrush, to avoid potentially spreading anything to or from your mouth. Be sure to rinse your toothbrush before and after every use by holding it under hot water. This will soften the bristles and release any food particles or hardened toothpaste from the last use. Some other ways you can disinfect your toothbrush at home include soaking it in antibacterial mouthwash, soaking it in 1 cup of water mixed with 2 teaspoons of baking soda, and soaking it in a cup of water with a denture cleaner tablet. These methods will effectively and safely disinfect your toothbrush to prevent the spread of germs.

  1. Follow the ‘2×2 Rule’

Brush your teeth for two minutes, twice a day with a clean, soft-bristled toothbrush. If you are using a manual toothbrush, be sure to hold it at a 45° angle to your gums and brush gently in a circular motion. And if you are using an electric toothbrush, gently brush in a gliding motion, tooth-by-tooth. If your toothbrush doesn’t have a built-in timer, put on a favourite song, scroll through social media, or put on a short YouTube video. To get the kids excited, schedule ‘brushing parties’ to make this essential part of you and your family’s daily routine more enjoyable.

  1. Stick to your routine

Your normal daily routine may have completely gone out the window, but it doesn’t mean your oral health routine needs to change. Just because you aren’t leaving your house, doesn’t mean that you don’t have to brush your teeth in the morning. It’s now more important than ever to stick to your daily regimen. Along with brushing, it’s also important to keep flossing! (No, the dance does not count). Flossing in-between your teeth with dental floss is an often overlooked yet necessary oral health practice. Even though you brush your teeth (twice a day), debris and plaque collect between them. Interdental cleaning helps cleanse hard-to-reach areas of bacteria or food particles that your toothbrush may leave behind. Flossing also helps reduce your risk of developing gum disease, periodontal disease and heart disease. Add two minutes to your daily oral healthcare regimen and floss for a cleaner, healthier you!

  1. Limit acidic drinks and sugary foods

Did you know that sugary snacks aren’t the only thing that can harm your smile? Foods and drinks that are high in acid can also have a negative impact on your oral health. Acids wear away the enamel that protects your teeth, and over time when your enamel is weakened or destroyed, cavities form. This process is called ‘tooth erosion’ and can cause severe permanent damage to your smile. Some ways to protect your teeth at home include: limiting your consumption of sugary, acidic beverages and foods, rinsing your mouth with water after drinking soft drinks, teas, coffees and juices, as well as brushing and flossing your teeth after snacking on sugary treats. Chips and popcorn that get stuck in-between your teeth expose them to sugars and acids that develop plaque, erode enamel, and cause cavities. This doesn’t mean you cannot treat yourself; just be mindful of how you are treating your oral and overall health.

  1. Know when to change your toothbrush

It is recommended that you change your toothbrush or electric toothbrush head every three months to ensure you are cleaning your teeth with fresh, soft-bristled brush. Bent, frayed bristles cannot clean your teeth effectively, and often hold onto bacteria that can jeopardize your oral health. If you or a loved one gets sick, we recommend that you safely dispose of the old toothbrush to avoid the spread of germs and potentially compromise other peoples’ overall health, especially during this COVID-19 pandemic.

 

Taking care of your oral and overall health has never been more critical. As we stay home and distance ourselves to combat the spread of COVID-19, let’s also remember to continue fighting plaque, cavities, and tooth decay.

If you would like to learn more, please do not hesitate to give us a call or contact us to book an appointment.