The world has changed because of COVID-19, so it is easy to forget the routines that were in place before. However, self-care is still essential. Part of self-care is continuing habits that benefit your oral health. This practice is especially vital if you have braces.
Caring for Braces During a Quarantine by Brushing
While in quarantine, it is essential to continue brushing your teeth at least twice a day. If you do not, the tiny pieces of food in your mouth combine with the natural bacteria everyone has. After a while, this combination forms plaque. Plaque is often tough to remove if left alone too long because it turns to tartar, which must be removed by a dentist. Unfortunately, many dentist offices are closed right now, so brushing to prevent tartar build-up is vital.
Do Not Skip on Flossing
Flossing may not be a lot of fun and is easy to overlook, but flossing does not take long and has a positive impact on your oral health. Brushing gets what is left on the surface of the teeth, but it cannot reach in between the teeth. Flossing removes what is left behind. Also, flossing helps prevent gum disease and tooth decay that occurs in those hard-to-reach places. Furthermore, if you do not want bad breath, flossing helps.
Be Careful What You Drink and Eat
Another piece of advice for caring for braces during a quarantine is to have care when eating and drinking. When you first got your braces, your orthodontist gave you a list of foods to avoid. Because the orthodontist office may be closed or have limited hours, this is a time to be extra careful to avoid damaging your brackets. Also, be cautious with acidic or sugary beverages. If you drink these, be sure to rinse your mouth afterward or brush your teeth an extra time.
House of Orthodontia Can Help You Care for Your Braces
Dr. Lien, Dr. Alikhani, and the team at House of Orthodontia are experts in orthodontia. We are happy to answer any questions about caring for braces during a quarantine. If you would like to schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Lien or Dr. Alikhani, please contact the House of Orthodontia at 718-852-4414 for our Manhattan Office or 212-392-4789 for our Brooklyn Office. You can also visit http://houseoforthodontia.com.
