The best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from COVID-19 is to practice social distancing and limit your trips outside. The last thing you need while you’re trying to avoid crowded stores is to run out of toothpaste! Thankfully, you can extend the lifespan of the toothpaste, floss, and mouthwash you already have at home with a few simple changes. Here are a few tips from your local Center dentist that can help your dental products last throughout the COVID-19 quarantine.
Track Your Toothpaste Use
Contrary to commercials and advertisements, you don’t need to cover your toothbrush with toothpaste to clean your mouth well. The American Dental Association recommends:
- Toddlers between two and three years old should only use a smear the size of a grain of rice.
- Children between three and six can use a pea-sized drop of children’s low-fluoride toothpaste.
- Adults, teens, and older children should use a pea-sized drop of fluoridated toothpaste.
Keep track of how much toothpaste your family uses to help it last longer. However, if you do run out, you can make a temporary substitute out of water and baking soda. This mixture will help keep plaque away and remove surface stains on your teeth. However, overuse can lead to sensitive and weakened teeth, so switch back to fluoridated toothpaste as soon as you can.
Measure Your Mouthwash
You don’t need to use very much mouthwash to effectively combat bad breath and oral infections. As you rinse your mouth out during quarantine:
- Read the instructions on your mouthwash and only use as much as directed, typically between three and five teaspoons.
- Try a homemade mouthwash if you run out. You can add salt, tea tree oil, or crushed aloe vera leaves to a glass of water to make your own rinse at home.
Follow Basic Flossing Rules
The truth is, you’re probably not using enough floss in your daily dental routine. Health experts recommend:
- Using 18 inches of new floss for every session to ensure effective cleaning.
- Never reusing old floss, even after washing it off, to prevent redepositing plaque and bacteria.
If you’d like a longer-lasting alternative, consider trying a reusable interdental brush or a pre-threaded flosser that has replaceable heads.
If you neglect your oral hygiene at home, you may come out of quarantine looking for a “dentist near me.” Avoid a trip to the store while keeping your smile healthy by conserving your dental products!
About the Practice
At Family Dental Center of East Texas, we have always believed that great oral health and preventive care form the foundation for a beautiful smile and a healthy life. In light of the current pandemic, protecting your oral health is more important than ever. That’s why Dr. Thomas Youngblood and Dr. Mireya Martinez encourage all their patients to continue practicing excellent at-home oral hygiene. If you have any questions or concerns, the can still be contacted through their website or at (936) 427-9070.