Pasadena-based Premier Care Dental Group says people should continue to observe proper dental hygiene practices, not just during periods of uncertainty like this current COVID-19 pandemic.
In a statement, the dental care group said brushing after every meal is vitally important, especially if the meal or snack was especially sugary or acidic. The statement said sugary and acidic foods demineralize tooth enamel and essentially feed harmful bacteria at a much higher rate than normal, increasing harmful waste products that are responsible for tooth damage and discoloration.
The statement said damage and discoloration can be prevented when patients brush their teeth approximately 30 minutes after they have eaten, giving their teeth time to re-mineralize yet safely cleaning their teeth.
Premier Care Dental Group released the statement following a MSN report that enumerated five things everyone can do to improve dental health while stuck at home during a no-travel order. Some of the tips include using fluoride toothpastes over homeopathic options, and avoiding sugary foods, particularly outside of mealtimes.
Flossing is equally important, as the practice can touch otherwise hard-to-reach-areas between each tooth and provide a deeper overall cleaning, the statement said.
Finally, the group adds that a mouth rinse can be helpful in further disinfecting the oral cavity but also notes that mouth rinses are only suitable as a supplement, not an outright replacement for brushing and flossing.
Premier Care Dental Group adds that using a saltwater rinse in place of a traditional mouthwash is probably safe, but cautions against using too much salt as the abrasive nature of a highly concentrated mix can be harmful to tooth surfaces, in the same way that hard-bristle brushes and overly aggressive hygiene practices can be.
The dental group noted that dental health should remain a priority because of the links between poor oral health and poor overall health. It said studies have shown links between rather serious diseases like diabetes and heart disease and oral-related ailments, including periodontitis, a severe form of gum disease which should always be attended to by a skilled periodontist.
While it might be easy to focus on the darker consequences of poor dental hygiene, the group said the rewards for great dental hygiene are certainly more pleasant: brighter, whiter, cleaner, and shinier smiles.
“The health benefits of a clean mouth are plentiful and worthwhile for those who sacrifice just a few spare moments out of every day to take care of their teeth,” the statement concluded.
Premier Care Dental Group, located at 310 S. Lake Ave. Ste B1 in Pasadena, is open during the stay-at-home orders for emergencies and patients suffering from extreme pain.
To learn more about their services, visit premiercaredentalgroup.com or call (626) 747-7855.
