What’s the right amount of toothpaste to use? How much floss should you take out of the container? These are important questions. During the COVID-19 pandemic, social distancing and limiting trips to the store are key. It’s more important than ever to use your oral hygiene tools efficiently while still maintaining great oral health. Your dentist in Bellingham has some tips to keep you smiling while conserving your supplies.

Making the Best of What You Have

While being efficient about how you’re using your oral appliances and hygiene supplies, it’s important to make sure that you’re still taking good care of yourself. Following the proper guidelines for your dental care will help to conserve what you have while keeping your smile bright and healthy.

Toothpaste Use

Brushing your teeth for two minutes, twice a day is integral to your oral health. When brushing, it’s important to use the right amount of toothpaste to keep your teeth strong and healthy. For adults, using a pea-sized amount of toothpaste is all you need. Young children only need a smear of toothpaste about the size of a rice grain. Children are prone to using too much toothpaste which can actually be harmful to their enamel in the long run.

Correct Floss Use

It’s recommended that you use about 18 inches of floss at a time. That amount of floss is more than enough to wrap around your fingers while leaving about an inch to clean between your teeth. Using any more than 18 inches is simply a waste of floss. However, using too little floss can mean re-exposing your teeth and gums to the particles you just removed.

Proper Mouthwash Technique

When using mouthwash, you’ll want to make sure that you use about four teaspoons of the product at a time. Be sure to swish for at least thirty seconds to help rid your mouth of bacteria in places you missed while brushing and flossing. When used alongside proper brushing and flossing technique, mouthwash can be a great tool in your dental arsenal.

It’s important to make sure that you’re keeping up on your oral hygiene. By following these tips and conserving your hygiene supplies, you’re keeping you and your family safe while maximizing your smile. Make your hygiene tools last and you’re setting yourself up for success.

About the Author

Dr. Ronald Moreno loves giving his patients the smiles of their dreams. Since graduating from dental school, he has spent decades continuing his education to be able to provide the absolute best care possible. His precision and attention to detail ensure that his patients will leave the office smiling. Dr. Moreno understands that life under quarantine can be stressful. If you’d like to learn more about how you can maximize your home hygiene habits, he and his team are here to help via email or over the phone at (360) 383-5185.