Maintaining good oral health at home during the COVID-19 pandemic

As communities continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, Delta Dental is here to help Americans maintain good oral health at home. Check out Delta Dental’s recommendations for at-home oral care that you can do in front of your own bathroom mirror! 


Good oral health practices 

Keep the gleam in your grin with the following dental health basics:

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    Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products. Avoid foods high in sugar or starch — they tend to stick to your teeth. Drink plenty of water every day.

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    Brush gently at least twice a day, with special attention to the gum line. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. 

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    Floss at least once a day. You can also use an interdental cleaner—a special pick or brush you use between your teeth. 

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    Replace your toothbrush every three to four months, or earlier if the bristles are looking spread out and worn.

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    Be aware of bad habits like ice chewing or crunching on hard snacks, using your teeth as a tool or to open packages, or grinding and clenching as these things can cause broken or chipped teeth.

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    Wear a mouthguard if you are doing a sport or activity that could cause trauma to your face and jaw. Some activities, like mountain-biking, roller boarding or skating, allow you to keep your “social distance” but are safer with a helmet and mouthguard!


Delta Dental advises its customers, providers and others within our communities to follow the CDC’s guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Click here to learn more

To learn more about what to do if you have a dental emergency during COVID-19, click here.

Additional oral health resources
 

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How to make flossing part of your routine

Flossing your teeth at least once a day helps clean plaque from hard-to-reach places between teeth and under the gumline. Consider these tips for how to add flossing to your routine.

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7 harmful habits and how to break them

All it takes is one bad habit to undo years of good oral health behaviors — like brushing twice a day and flossing regularly. Fortunately, it’s never too late to break a habit that’s bad for your teeth. 

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What's your brushing style?

Everyone has a unique toothbrushing style. Check out these five types of brushers and see if any of them sound like you. Then try our recommendations for better ways to brush and protect your smile.

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Does biting my nails harm my health?

You may find nibbling on your nails comforting, but it can cause a host of problems for your mouth and your body.

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Mouth-friendly recipes

Check out some of our latest mouth-friendly recipes — tweet us a picture of your dish @DeltaDental

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