Practicing Good Dental Hygiene in Calgary: How to Maintain Good Oral Health During the COVID-19 Pand

People have had to make countless adjustments to their everyday lives because of COVID-19. We're working and educating from home, seeing loved ones over Zoom, and doing our best to stay home. A lot of things may have changed, but your attention to your health shouldn't have. People have been skipping doctor appointments in an attempt to stay socially distant, and that includes not going to the dentist.

Dental hygiene in Calgary is important. Unfortunately, the pandemic has a lot of people skipping check-ups and neglecting their oral health. Remember, oral health and overall health are tied together. If you want to stay healthy, you need to have a healthy mouth. Keep reading if you want to learn the best ways to maintain oral health during the pandemic.

Dental Hygiene in Calgary: Your Top Pandemic Tips

We do want to mention that there are certain problems that will require a visit to a dental clinic in Calgary. Tooth pain, abscesses, chipped teeth, and damaged orthodontic equipment should always be seen by a professional. Since you may be forgoing your usual dental check-ups, it's more important than ever to pay attention to your oral health. Here's what you can do to avoid oral health problems and keep your teeth clean during the pandemic.

Brush the Right Way

If you consider a 30-second brushing and a quick swirl of mouthwash brushing your teeth, you aren't cleaning your mouth the right way. The truth is that it really only takes about 5 minutes to go through a complete oral health routine. We all have plenty of free time now, so let's talk about how to follow the ideal oral health routine. Start off by flossing. If you have trouble with string floss, consider using toothpicks with floss attached. Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste for about 2 minutes, and spend 30 seconds on each quadrant of your mouth. Be sure to hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle and to also brush your gums and tongue. After you finish brushing, it's time to rinse. Use mouthwash for at least 30 seconds and rigorously swish it around your mouth.

Keep Your Toothbrush Clean

Cleaning your toothbrush is a good oral hygiene practice regardless of if we're in a pandemic. Toothbrushes can carry a lot of bacteria, and if they aren't stored properly they can get even filthier. If your toothbrush needs a cleaning, consider soaking it in a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and mouthwash for a few minutes and rinse when you're done. That simple mixture can help kill germs and remove build-up.

Switch Up Your Diet

Have you been loading up on carbs and sugary drinks during quarantine? Some of your favorite comfort foods may taste good, but they can be bad for your health. Starchy foods and sugary drinks can lead to acid build up in your mouth. The more your teeth are exposed to acid the weaker and more prone to cavities they become. If you can't say goodbye to some of these foods, consider limiting them and filling up on more protein and vitamin-rich foods. Also, using a little mouth wash after eating can help cut down on acid build-up.

Talk to an Expert

If you're serious about dental hygiene in Calgary, a dentist can still help. Even if you don't come in for an appointment, we're always here to answer your questions. Whether you have questions about oral hygiene or think you need to come in, Northland Village Dental Centre is here for you. Contact us today so we can talk about the next steps.