Top 4 DIY tips when you can’t go to the dentist
During the COVID-19 pandemic, routine dental treatment isn’t allowed. So what can you do yourself while isolating at home to keep your pearly whites healthy and sparkling?
We share our top tips right here on how you can look after your teeth
1.Essential oil mouthwash
Scientific literature has shown that essential oils in mouthwashes can be effective at reducing the amount of plaque in the mouth, and also decreasing gum inflammation. Our very own local UWA School of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine has done studies to show the anti-microbial properties of the Australian native tea tree or Melaleuca oil. You can find out about their research here.
Here’s a simple essential oil mouthwash you can make yourself at home:
Blend one cup of distilled or boiled water, 2 teaspoons Echinacea tincture, 3-4 drops Myrhh essential oil (Commiphora myrhha) and 2 drops tea tree essential oil (Melaleuca alternifolia). Store it in a dark or amber container in a cool, dark place so that the essential oils cannot be affected by UV light. Make sure to gently shake the bottle before use. Swish a small amount in your mouth for 1 minute before spitting it all out and rinsing slightly with water.
2. Electric toothbrush with Oral-B 3D white brush head
If you’ve already got an Oral-B electric toothbrush, switch your brush head to the 3D white one. It has a special cup like the type we usually use to polish teeth, which helps to reduce surface stains. You should see an improvement in 2 weeks!
3. Waterpik
Easy and effective, do away with normal dental floss, and feel like you’ve just been to a dental spa! Water flossing takes only 1 minute a day, and removes plaque and debris with ease.
For those with gum disease, this is an excellent tool to keep your gums healthy.
There’s even a special whitening water flosser here.
4. Home whitening
If you’re lucky enough to have your own custom made home whitening trays already, just grab some whitening gel, and you’ll have whiter teeth in no time!
