Due to the spread of COVID-19 throughout the country, many local governments have issued shelter-in-place orders. That means Americans are spending more time at home than ever before. While the threat of the virus has created a great deal of angst, it has presented some opportunities, especially in the area of oral hygiene. Because supplies are low, you need some strategies for how to get the most out of your oral care products. Read on to get some helpful dental tips from a local dentist!
Have You Been Using Too Much Toothpaste?
If you view any commercial, you’ll see people painting every inch of their toothbrush with paste. The purpose, of course, is to encourage consumers to use more of the product, which means they’ll run out quicker and have to make a trip to the grocery or drug store to get more supplies.
The reality, however, is that it doesn’t take that much toothpaste to remove debris and rid your mouth of oral bacteria. In fact, an adult only needs a pea-sized amount to get the job done. For children under the age of five, just a smear of toothpaste will suffice. By making these minor adjustments in usage, your current supply can last much longer.
How Much Floss Does It Take to Clean Your Teeth?
If you and your family use dental floss, then kudos to you. That means you’re able to clean the remaining 40% of your teeth that a toothbrush can’t address. To get the most out of each container of floss, which averages around 122 yards of material, you should only extract 18-20 inches per session. Following this model, one container can last several months.
How Much Mouthwash Should You Use Per Serving?
Rinsing with mouthwash is a great way to supplement your toothbrushing and flossing. For effective results, you only need to use 20 milliliters (two-thirds of an ounce) per serving. If you use it two times a day, an average-sized bottle should last you around a month.
Being Conservative Pays Off
Here are some of the benefits of paying attention to your dental care products usage:
- You’ll save money by avoiding unnecessary purchases.
- By following the tips for good hygiene, you’ll enjoy better oral health.
- You can avoid the frustration of standing in long lines waiting to enter stores.
- You can limit your trips to the grocery or drug store, which decreases your chances of getting COVID-19 or spreading it.
Until the COVID-19 curve flattens, most dentists have temporarily placed preventive, cosmetic and certain forms of restorative care on hold. However, by following these strategies, you can maintain your oral health and remain safe during these tense times.
About the Author
Dr. Krunal Patel graduated from Pacific Dental College & Hospital in India. He then went on to further his studies at the prestigious New York University College of Dentistry. Dr. Patel encourages his patients to take an active role in maintaining their oral health by consistently and properly performing oral hygiene. Currently, he is only providing emergency dental care, but as the COVID-19 crisis eases, he’ll be available to offer comprehensive care to meet all of your needs. Dr. Patel practices at Advanced Smile Design, and he can be reached for more information through his website.
