Discover why maintaining good oral hygiene is so incredibly important. If you aren’t properly caring for your smile each and every day, you risk dealing with cavities, gum disease and other problems that won’t just impact the health and appearance of your smile but also your overall health, too. Since the pandemic is keeping us all inside, and there has been a temporary halt to all elective and non-emergency medical care, our Norwich, CT, dentist Dr. Edward Yates wants you to take some time to focus on how you and your family can keep your smiles healthy during this time (and for life).Brush with Gusto One of the best ways to keep your teeth and gums clean is to simply brush them. Whether you choose to use a manual soft-bristled toothbrush or electric toothbrush is up to you! Just make sure that you are brushing your teeth at least twice a day, as well as after eating any sticky or sugary treats.Swap Out Your Toothbrush Head How long have you had your toothbrush? Do you remember the last time you’ve replaced the head of your electric toothbrush? Have the bristles seen better days? If your toothbrush head is looking a little worse for the wear it’s time to replace it. This will occur about every 3-4 months. If you are wearing out your toothbrush head sooner, this could be a sign that you’re brushing too hard.Floss Those Germs Away Your home care routine is not complete until you and your family are flossing each and every day. After all, there are just certain areas that a toothbrush just can’t go. For this, you need floss. Be gentle when guiding floss in between teeth, and don’t forget to glide the floss over the gum line to remove plaque and food there, too. Flossing every day protects your gums from gum disease.Eat with Your Smile in Mind A healthy diet is responsible for a healthy smile. Everything we consume comes in contact with our teeth and gums, so why wouldn’t it impact our health? As your Norwich, CT, family dentist has probably warned you, sugary, starchy foods and drinks like chips, sports drinks and desserts can increase your risk for decay and gum disease. A diet that consists of lean protein, low-fat dairy, fruits and lots of veggies will provide your teeth and gums with the vital nutrients they need to stay healthy.Our Norwich, CT, family dentist and his staff are looking forward to seeing all of your smiling faces again soon. We want you to stay safe and healthy during the pandemic. Of course, if a dental emergency arises, know that our team here at Norwich Aesthetic Dentistry can help. Call us at (860) 889-6445.
