Q: I'm pretty busy during the day. What can I do that's good for my teeth?
If you're like most people, you probably brush and floss in the morning when you get up and at night before you go to bed. Here are some tips to keep in mind during the day:
- Chew sugarless gum. Chewing stimulates the production of saliva, which is our natural mouthwash.
- Stay away from foods that tend to stick to your teeth, like candy.
- If you work in an office or any other set location, keep a toothbnish in a travel container and some toothpaste and brush after lunch. If you can't brush, use a paper towel to manually wipe your teeth. That will remove some plaque, bacteria and left over food particles.
- Drink plenty of water after meals. That also will help wash away the food particles that bacteria feast on.
- If you drink soda or fruit juices during the day, use a straw to minimize your teeth's contact with the acid in the drinks.
Talk with your dentist about ways you can keep your mouth fresh and clean during the day.
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