When most of the country issued stay-at-home orders, it meant skipping out on normal activities. In fact, about half of Americans delayed dental health visits during the pandemic. And while most are playing catch up on those visits, some still haven’t attempted to schedule their overdue appointments. As you prepare to schedule your next dental appointment, here are some do-it-yourself tips for caring for your teeth.

Brush longer to prevent bleeding gums

When you brush, do your gums bleed? That means there is plaque buildup on your teeth that is causing the gums to become inflamed. While bleeding gums does potentially mean tooth loss, the underlying inflammation can increase your risk of developing other health issues. Those issues include heart disease and Alzheimer’s. 

It is also important to brush your teeth at least twice a day for at least two minutes. You should also floss at least once a day to reach in between your teeth. And don’t forget to use mouthwash after cleaning your teeth.

Massage your teeth for receding gums

Do you find that your teeth look longer than they once did? That might be because you’re brushing too hard. Sometimes people brush too hard when they think their teeth feel dirty. In turn, you may experience inflammation and receding gums. 

When you brush your teeth, try to use a soft-bristled toothbrush. With your toothbrush, imagine you are massaging your gums rather than scrubbing them. This will help you to brush softer and further prevent gum recession.

Remember to schedule your next dental appointment at Pinnacle Peak Family Dentistry to prevent further oral health complications.