Dental Self Care
- Upgrade Your Toothbrush
- Make Flossing Easier
- Invest in Good Mouthwash
- Treat Yourself to Teeth Whitening
With the Badgers announcing the postponement of their fall sports season along with the rest of the Big 10 schools, we’ve all suddenly found ourselves with more time on our hands. Since Covid has upended our typical ways of unwinding and relaxing, we have to get more creative about how we take care of ourselves and recharge. Here at Affiliated Dentists in Madison, we propose that you use a little of that spare time to show extra love to your teeth. Read on for some dental self care tips to keep your teeth in tip top shape during uncertain times.
Upgrade Your Toothbrush
When stress and pressure from work and home ramp up, it oftens shows up on our teeth in the form of gingivitis, cavities, or TMJ. Combat extra stress to your teeth by investing your oral hygiene products, starting with a new toothbrush.
If you use a manual toothbrush, make sure to replace it every three months or if the bristles are bent or frayed. Or, consider trying out a battery-powered one. (Inexpensive versions are available on Amazon). If you have one of those, upgrade to an electric or sonic toothbrush. Although you can adequately clean your teeth with a manual toothbrush, many people benefit from the extra brushing power these tools provide, especially if you have arthritis or coordination issues.
Look for ADA-approved toothbrushes, such as this Arm and Hammer Spinbrush Pro, this quip electric toothbrush, or the Phillips Sonicare ProtectiveClean.
Make Flossing Easier
Let’s be honest: flossing doesn’t take that much time. But many of us don’t take the few minutes to do it because it seems like a chore. Take some of the unpleasantness out of flossing by investing in flossing tools. Products like flossing picks and flossing brushes have plastic handles that help keep your hands out of your mouth, which might improve your flossing experience.
Water flossers are another helpful alternative to floss. Shaped like an electric toothbrush with a tube at the top instead of a brush, these shoot a stream of water between your teeth to wash away food, bacteria, and plaque. These are especially helpful for people with braces, orthodontic devices or deep tissue pockets.
Invest in Good Mouthwash
When the grocery budget is tight, it might be tempting to nix mouthwash all together or buy the least expensive kind. But mouthwash is a great tool to use to keep bacteria in the mouth at bay. Depending on the kind you buy, mouthwash can freshen breath, reduce bacteria, strengthen enamel, and even help whiten teeth. To help protect your teeth in between toothbrushing times, swish with a good quality mouthwash like Listerine for gingivitis or CloSYS for halitosis.
Treat Yourself to Teeth Whitening
Finally, give your teeth a little boost by whitening them. You can opt for over-the-counter products like white strips or choose to have them professionally whitened, either in an hour-long process called Zoom or with whitening trays you use at home.
Affiliated Dentists
If we can help you care for your teeth, please schedule an appointment with us today. Affiliated Dentists offers general dentistry and teeth whitening in Madison, Wisconsin.
Dental Self Care brought to you by Dr. Mark Gustavson
