While you’re taking all the necessary precautions to prevent yourself from catching the deadly infection, there’s still one aspect of self-care that you’re neglecting. What is it, you ask? Well, it’s your oral hygiene.

Oral hygiene is an important aspect of self-care, and with most of the dental clinics shut due to the lockdown, we are sure no one wants an oral or dental emergency.

Therefore, apart from brushing your teeth twice a day (duh) here’s a low-down on how to care for your oral health during the global pandemic…

 

Replace your toothbrush more often

Replace your toothbrush more often - oral hygiene amid the lockdown

While it is important to replace your toothbrush every three months, it would be better to replace it more frequently during this time. This is because our toothbrushes can attract and harbour a host of bacteria, and the newer it is, the better it works at cleaning your teeth and keeping bacteria at bay.

 

Keep your oral supplies clean at all times

Keep your oral supplies clean at all times - oral hygiene amid the lockdown

After brushing your teeth, ensure that you allow the toothbrush to dry in a clean container and use bristle guards at all times. Additionally, to prevent the spread of germs, ensure that you do not share your supplies with anyone. Have your own separate tube of toothpaste, a roll of floss or anything else that you might be using.

 

Be mindful about what you eat

Be mindful about what you eat - oral hygiene amid the lockdown

Have movies nights become more frequent amid the lockdown? Well, it’s best to not accompany that with popcorn every single time. Steer clear of foods that tend to get stuck in your teeth and under your gums leading to pain and inflammation.

 

Avoid eating hard candies and crunchy foods

Avoid eating hard candies and crunchy foods - oral hygiene amid the lockdown

Any kind of food that requires you to put more pressure than usual on your teeth and gums should be avoided right now, especially if you have sensitive teeth. This is because you are risking cracking or breaking your tooth altogether. And yes, this includes avoiding really cold food and beverages such as ice-creams and sodas too.

 

Take up tongue-scraping

Take up tongue-scraping - oral hygiene amid the lockdown

Tongue-scraping is an ancient Indian practice that is known to use a blunt metal or plastic object to scrape the top of your tongue to remove bacteria that could eventually lead to cavities. This practice is known to thoroughly remove germs from your mouth and immensely improve your oral hygiene.

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