With the entire country still embroiled in the battle against COVID-19, Americans are sheltering in place. Unfortunately, the extra time spent at home can lead to some bad habit-forming. As you continue reading, you’ll discover some key activities to avoid. Additionally, your dentist in Columbia provides some helpful coping strategies that will ensure you maintain strong and healthy teeth and gums!
Nail-Biting
Collectively, around the nation, anxiety is much higher than normal. For many people, a common unconscious response to stress is to bite their fingernails. If you’re prone to doing this, then it’s best to seek an alternative way of calming your nerves. That’s because your teeth weren’t designed to bite into such a hard and brittle surface, and if done continuously, it can lead to a dental emergency.
Here are some healthier ways to deal with anxiety:
- Reading
- Exercise
- Meditation
- Breathing exercises
- Laughing and having fun
- Listening to calming music
Smoking
During the COVID-19 crisis, current smokers may find themselves indulging more, while people who don’t use tobacco may suddenly adopt the habit. While it’s no secret that it poses a serious health threat, smoking can also negatively impact your dental wellness. This includes encouraging the growth of oral bacteria, plaque accumulation, sour breath, teeth stains, and a greater susceptibility to developing oral cancer.
The same stress-reducing activities listed above are excellent ways to control a smoking habit. You should also try to avoid any triggers, like situations that create even more stress, alcohol usage and other people who smoke.
Constant Snacking
If you’re spending more time at home, constant grazing may seem to be “par for the course.” Not only can it add extra inches to your waistline, but it can potentially pose a threat to your oral health. It bombards your teeth and gums with leftover food particles and bacteria that can eventually lead to cavity development.
Here are some tips to help to curb your appetite:
- Up your protein – By adding more protein to your meals, from sources like fish, chicken, turkey, nuts and cheese, you’ll be more satiated and less prone to snacking.
- Drink more water – Many times, hunger sensations are really signs of dehydration. Between meals, try drinking a glass of water instead of eating.
- Occupy your mind – By finding a project to work on or a good book to read, you’ll keep your mind occupied, which will help to shift the focus from eating more food.
In addition to incorporating the suggestions offered by your family dentist in Columbia, it’s important to maintain excellent oral hygiene, which should include brushing and flossing at least two times a day. Therefore, when the nation emerges from the COVID-19 storm, you’ll have excellent oral health!
About the Author
Dr. Matthew Hart earned his dental degree from the University of Tennessee School of Dentistry. A highly skilled professional, he offers a wide array of services. During the COVID-19 crisis, Dr. Hart is only providing emergency dental care, but as soon as the waters calm, he’ll be available to meet all your dental care needs. He practices at Beck Dental Care, and he can be reached for more information through his website.