Norse 88
Member
- Joined
- Apr 4, 2018
- Messages
- 272
If it hasn't been said already, and it's applicable to you, don't forget to have your oral hygiene items stocked in case they are ever made short in supply.
This means tooth brushes, toothpastes, and dental floss. The mouth is the main point of entry for all human disease, so keeping your mouth clean everyday is important and particularly so during a viral pandemic.
Below I've included some basic instructions on oral care given to me from a dentist. This is for anyone who might benefit from a general refresher on the basics. As always, listen to your dental professionals advice.
Flossing:
Floss always before brushing.
Break off one to two 'arms lengths' of floss or whatever necessary; use clean segments along the floss to remove debris between each tooth, if you haven't done this before or in a while then it's normal for the gums to bleed. This will discontinue with regular flossing and brushing. Floss with handle or wand is fine also.
Brushing:
Brush in the morning after breakfast and evening before going to bed. (2-3 mins is adequate).
Brush in a circular motion over all teeth: front, behind, base of teeth and also gently on the gums, as well as the tongue.
Rinse mouth with water after brushing to clear away debris, toothpaste, and saliva.
Do not swallow toothpaste. Encourage infants to always spit it out.
Replace toothbrush every 2 - 3 months. Sooner if you've been sick or the bristles are worn and fraying.
Don't store toothbrush next to other toothbrushes. Keep them separate.
Rinse and dry your toothbrush after each use.
Never share toothbrushes or floss.
Never re-use floss.
This should keep your oral hygiene maintained and healthy.
Detriments:
Some things that can harm oral health to know: biting finger nails; putting pens and pencils in your mouth; smoking; drinking alcohol regularly or drinking alcohol in abundance; brushing too vigorously and brushing excessively (4-5+ times per day; 10mins plus per brush is too much - this may destroy tooth enamel which protects teeth and won't grow back); chewing tobacco or the placing tobacco pouches underneath the lip as they do in some places such as Sweden; breathing in or out through the mouth (nose is best); sleeping open mouthed.
In general avoid putting objects in your mouth that are not healthy and properly prepared food or drink. Avoid sharing objects in general with your mouth and another person's mouth, with the ground or floor, with a pair of hands, etc - also, washing your hands with sanitiser after each bathroom visit is important. Don't forget to change your pillow cases, especially if you sweat or drool during sleep. Use earphones with a speaker to talk on the phone if possible and clean mobile phones.
[/list]
Good oral hygiene is a simple and effective way to keep your overall health at its best.
If you have a cavity, any decay, or dental concerns, then it's better to have it looked at by a dentist while it's smaller, cheaper and easier to fix. This goes the same for any medical issue. Holes in teeth tend to get bigger, and this can cause some pain not to mention difficulty eating with increased vulnerability to disease.
I know dentistry isn't cheap and there can be feelings of distrust towards dentists from their patients and this is due to many reasons, many of which stand on communication issues from practitioner to their patients and then a subsequent misunderstanding. But if you have problems you believe could be a big dilemma in a year or so, or has you concerned, then it's probably a good time to talk to the gods, a friend, or a dentist for some advice.
If you can't chew food normally, produce saliva as usual, if you have have to live with tooth aches or gum disease, or if you can't smile confidently, then you're overall health is likely to be impacted and furthermore, become complicated. Now is not the time! (Hopefully never is it time, either).
Hope this helps some of you out.
This means tooth brushes, toothpastes, and dental floss. The mouth is the main point of entry for all human disease, so keeping your mouth clean everyday is important and particularly so during a viral pandemic.
Below I've included some basic instructions on oral care given to me from a dentist. This is for anyone who might benefit from a general refresher on the basics. As always, listen to your dental professionals advice.
Flossing:
Floss always before brushing.
Break off one to two 'arms lengths' of floss or whatever necessary; use clean segments along the floss to remove debris between each tooth, if you haven't done this before or in a while then it's normal for the gums to bleed. This will discontinue with regular flossing and brushing. Floss with handle or wand is fine also.
Brushing:
Brush in the morning after breakfast and evening before going to bed. (2-3 mins is adequate).
Brush in a circular motion over all teeth: front, behind, base of teeth and also gently on the gums, as well as the tongue.
Rinse mouth with water after brushing to clear away debris, toothpaste, and saliva.
Do not swallow toothpaste. Encourage infants to always spit it out.
Replace toothbrush every 2 - 3 months. Sooner if you've been sick or the bristles are worn and fraying.
Don't store toothbrush next to other toothbrushes. Keep them separate.
Rinse and dry your toothbrush after each use.
Never share toothbrushes or floss.
Never re-use floss.
This should keep your oral hygiene maintained and healthy.
Detriments:
Some things that can harm oral health to know: biting finger nails; putting pens and pencils in your mouth; smoking; drinking alcohol regularly or drinking alcohol in abundance; brushing too vigorously and brushing excessively (4-5+ times per day; 10mins plus per brush is too much - this may destroy tooth enamel which protects teeth and won't grow back); chewing tobacco or the placing tobacco pouches underneath the lip as they do in some places such as Sweden; breathing in or out through the mouth (nose is best); sleeping open mouthed.
In general avoid putting objects in your mouth that are not healthy and properly prepared food or drink. Avoid sharing objects in general with your mouth and another person's mouth, with the ground or floor, with a pair of hands, etc - also, washing your hands with sanitiser after each bathroom visit is important. Don't forget to change your pillow cases, especially if you sweat or drool during sleep. Use earphones with a speaker to talk on the phone if possible and clean mobile phones.
[/list]
Good oral hygiene is a simple and effective way to keep your overall health at its best.
If you have a cavity, any decay, or dental concerns, then it's better to have it looked at by a dentist while it's smaller, cheaper and easier to fix. This goes the same for any medical issue. Holes in teeth tend to get bigger, and this can cause some pain not to mention difficulty eating with increased vulnerability to disease.
I know dentistry isn't cheap and there can be feelings of distrust towards dentists from their patients and this is due to many reasons, many of which stand on communication issues from practitioner to their patients and then a subsequent misunderstanding. But if you have problems you believe could be a big dilemma in a year or so, or has you concerned, then it's probably a good time to talk to the gods, a friend, or a dentist for some advice.
If you can't chew food normally, produce saliva as usual, if you have have to live with tooth aches or gum disease, or if you can't smile confidently, then you're overall health is likely to be impacted and furthermore, become complicated. Now is not the time! (Hopefully never is it time, either).
Hope this helps some of you out.
