Safeguarding Your Smile From Home

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Safeguarding Your Smile From Home

By Wright Smiles

Many people across Southlake, TX, and DFW are practicing social distancing, staying home and avoiding gatherings of ten or more people. With these steps, we can work together to slow the spread of COVID-19 and protect the health of people in our community. In today’s blog, we’re talking about how you can protect your smile from home!

Proper Brushing and Flossing

Sounds simple, right? Well, it is! When we brush and floss our teeth each day, we limit the severity of plaque buildup and reduce the risks of cavities, dental infections, gingivitis, and even gum disease. Since you have to wait to undergo a routine checkup and cleaning, caring for your smile at home is crucial for avoiding these oral health concerns, or managing issues like gum disease.

You should start your day by brushing your teeth for about two minutes, once when you wake up and again before bed. Each session should make use of a toothbrush with soft bristles and a toothpaste that contains fluoride. You need to floss as well, using floss tape to move up and down each side of every tooth, and dipping under the gum line, to remove the trapped food particles that could otherwise feed harmful bacteria and allow a cavity to form or gum disease to develop.

How Does a Cavity Form?

When we eat foods high in sugar and starch, this leaves behind particles for bacteria to consume. As they do this, the levels of oral acidity rise and the teeth become coated in a sticky layer of plaque buildup. The plaque then weakens and erodes outer enamel, allowing bacteria to reach the inner layers of tooth structure and causing a cavity. The buildup also inflames gum tissue, leading to soreness, redness, and bleeding, which increases the risk of periodontal disease. If you do encounter pain in your smile, let us know. We can provide emergency treatment on a case-by-case basis as needed!

Does My Diet Impact Oral Health?

Try to stick up on foods and drinks that are good for your smile and don’t provide a meal for harmful oral bacteria. Instead of candies and chips, purchase low-fat yogurt, cheeses, nuts, sugar-free gum, or fresh fruits and veggies. Avoid sodas, energy drinks, and sports drinks, and instead drink more water, which keeps your hydrated and cleanses your smile. If you have any questions about keeping smiles healthy and bright, then contact our team today.

Your Southlake, TX Dentist Can Answer Your Questions

At our Southlake, TX dentist’s office, our team is ready to help you gain a better understanding of your oral health, and the steps needed to safeguard smiles against issues like tooth decay or periodontal disease.

Call our to make an appointment with a dentist who may be able to help you find out more about this topic, and improve your oral health.