To slow the spread of the current COVID-19 pandemic, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has extended the “New York State on PAUSE” executive order through at least May 15th, 2020. When this policy was first announced on March 20th, 2020, and you were gathering supplies in preparation of it, did you remember to stock up on oral hygiene items? The last thing you need is to run out of toothpaste while you’re trying to limit your trips outside! Here are some tips from your Plainview dentist about how to make your dental products last throughout quarantine.
Tips on Saving Toothpaste
Toothpaste commercials and advertisements sometimes appear to suggest that you should cover the entire length of your toothbrush bristles to use it properly. However, that’s far more than what you really need. To conserve your toothpaste and effectively clean your smile, the American Dental Association recommends:
- Supervising your children as they brush to ensure they’re not using too much.
- Children younger than 3 years old should only use a dab the size of a grain of rice, everyone else only needs a drop about the size of a pea.
- Always use a fluoride toothpaste with an official ADA Seal of Approval.
If you run out of toothpaste, you can use a mixture made of baking soda for a little while in its place. However, nothing protects or cleans teeth as well as fluoride, and frequent use of baking soda as a substitute can lead to sensitive and weakened teeth.
Conserving Dental Floss and Mouthwash
The truth is, you’re probably not using enough floss. Experts report that you should use a new length of floss that’s 18 inches long every day. While that may seem like a lot, using less puts you at risk of redepositing all the plaque, bacteria, and food particles you just removed. Conversely, you may be using far too much mouthwash. Most products recommend rinsing with only three to five teaspoons at a time, which can often be measured by a mark on the inside of the cap. To make the most of these products while still taking care of your oral health, remember:
- Never reuse a length of floss, even after rinsing it off.
- You can try a reusable interdental brush if you run out of floss.
- Always read the packaging of your mouthwash, and only use as much as directed.
Extra time during quarantine is an excellent opportunity to perfect your dental routine and make sure you’re using your tools properly. Learning how to make the most of your oral hygiene products is a great way to keep your smile healthy while saving time, money, and unnecessary trips to the store!
About the Practice
At Meadowbrook Dentistry in Plainview, NY, we know that great oral hygiene is the foundation for a beautiful smile and better overall health. In order to keep you, your family, our staff, and the community safe as possible from the coronavirus, we have made the decision to temporarily postpone any non-emergency appointments and checkups until further notice. However, we are still here to help you take care of your smiles throughout quarantine or attend to your dental emergencies, should they arise. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to visit our website or call us at (516) 346-5655.