Our world as we know it has been turned upside down and we are dealing with circumstances that we never thought we ever would be, yet here we are. Now more than ever, looking after yourself and your loved ones is essential during this challenging time. Caring for your mouth can go a long way toward your overall health and wellness and is an important element of daily self-care.
Given the current situation that many of us across the world find ourselves in, maintaining optimal personal hygiene and focusing on self care has arguably never been more important.
This article will provide you with some handy tips on how to self care during COVID-19.
Be kind to yourself, and those around you.
Times of high stress can bring out both the best and the worst in people — it’s wonderful when it brings out the best, but it’s completely natural and understandable when it brings out the worst. Try to be mindful of how you’re feeling and acting on a given day and forgive yourself for the times when you might not be at your best. We are all trying to cope in uncharted waters, so try to take it one day at a time.
Stick to your daily oral routine
It may seem like a no brainer, but by sticking to your daily oral care habits you are giving yourself the best chance of keeping healthy and well.
- Brush daily with a fluoride toothpaste last thing at night and at least one other time during the day.
- Floss daily as it is as essential as brushing.
Watch your Toothbrush etiquette
Distance your heads – make sure that toothbrush heads are kept apart from each other wherever you and the rest of your household store your toothbrushes.
Don’t share a toothbrush – no matter whether you are related or how close you are to the people you live with, you should never share your toothbrush with anybody else.
Replace regularly – change up your brush at least every 3 months or earlier if the bristles become frayed. Also replace after any illness.
Close the toilet lid before you flush – where you keep your toothbrush is very important. If you store your brush anywhere near your toilet, every time someone flushes, some of the spray will fly out of the toilet and land on your toothbrush.
Try to keep calm
It is natural during this time to be feeling elevated levels of anxiety and stress. This however can result in grinding of teeth, headaches and more. Try to be a source of calmness for your loved ones, especially in front of those who may be looking to you during this difficult time (such as your children or close partners). Using techniques like mindfulness, meditation, and breathing deeply can help.
Stay connected
Strengthen relationships with loved ones using technology — FaceTime, Skype, phone calls, House Party app, Google Hangouts, and others are all great options.
Get quality shut eye
Try to stick to as regular a sleep schedule as possible. Even if you’re not going to sleep and waking up at the same time you normally would, try to standardize it — aim to get to bed by a certain time each night, and wake up by a certain time each morning. This will be especially helpful when we are on the other end of this and you have to get back to your normal routine!
Keep moving
For exercise, taking walks or runs outside can be a nice way to move your body and get some fresh air. Just be sure to keep your distance between yourself and the people around you (2 metres) to the best of your ability! If you don’t feel comfortable going outside, there are many YouTube videos that offer free exercise classes, or if not — pump up your favourite tunes and have a dance party at home!
Eat well
The foods you choose and how often you eat them can affect your general health and the health of your teeth and gums. Proper nutrition means eating a well-balanced diet so that your body can get the nutrients needed for optimal health and wellness.
If your diet is low in the nutrients your body needs, your mouth may have a more difficult time resisting infection. So, although it is very tempting during times of stress and boredom to reach for comfort food, try to think twice and opt for the healthier option, your teeth and your body will thank you for it.
Up the H20
Drinking plenty of water, has so many benefits for the body. Staying hydrated is also an important part of good oral health to prevent dry mouth, bad breath and cavities.
Tap water, specifically, contains optimal amounts of fluoride, which has been proven to strengthen teeth and reduce tooth decay. Drink plenty of water and cut down on how much and how often you have sugary foods and drinks.
Vitamin D
Weather permitting, try to get outside at least once a day. Go outside, even if it’s just a walk around your backyard or spending some time sitting on your front steps. If you are at a high risk (e.g., are elderly, immunocompromised, etc.), or living with someone who is at a high risk, instead try opening the windows. Fresh air always feels nice, in whatever form it comes in!
Remember — this is a new normal, but it is a temporary normal.
It can sometimes seem like these COVID-19 protective measures will last forever — it’s a scary thought to think that we might always have to live like this! Remind yourself that it will end, even if we might not have a clear end date. Just like the seasons pass every year, this COVID-19 season will also pass.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact our friendly and professional team at Sydney Dental Aesthetics and Implants, call (02) 9233 3301 or email info@sdai.com.au
Keep up the self care, stay safe, keep well and see you on the other side!