Right now, dental offices all over the country have temporarily closed their doors due to health concerns regarding COVID-19. This is naturally done to protect dentists and patients alike from transmission of the virus during certain procedures. Of course, there is an obvious drawback to this decision: you and your loved ones cannot receive your regular dental checkups and cleanings. Fortunately, as long as your household continues excellent oral hygiene practices, you should be able to keep everybody’s smiles safe until you can see your dentist in Gorham again. Here are 3 tips to follow while you’re stuck at home.
1. Brush After Every Meal
It’s typically recommended to brush at least twice a day – once in the morning and once before bed. Ideally, your toothbrush would see use after every meal, but most people find it awkward to brush at work or at school. But if you’re currently staying in your house, you have greater control over your oral hygiene routine. Take this opportunity to brush after lunch and keep your teeth as clean as possible throughout the day. And of course, you should encourage your children to do the same!
Keep in mind that if your most recent meal included something acidic, such as orange juice, it’s best to wait at least half an hour before brushing. Acids weaken the enamel, and you might end up damaging it with your abrasive toothbrush and toothpaste. You can still care for your teeth during this time by washing the remains of acidic foods and beverages out of your mouth with water.
2. Limit Snacks and Sugary Foods
When you’re at home all the time, it can be tempting to start snacking more often – particularly on any sugary treats that you’ve been storing. But while enjoying something sweet every once in a while is perfectly fine, constantly eating sugar throughout the day can greatly increase the risk of cavities. (After all, decay occurs when oral bacteria produce acids as a result of eating sugar.) Make sure your family understands the importance of practicing discretion when it comes to snacks.
3. Don’t Forget to Floss
Only 30 percent of Americans floss every day. If you’re not part of this group, there’s a chance that bacteria in areas of your mouth that your toothbrush can’t reach will start attacking the soft tissues in your mouth, leading to gum disease. If you give gum disease a chance to develop, it could eventually lead to tooth loss and other health problems. Now’s a good chance to start introducing dental floss to your regular routine if it’s not already a part of it.
If you’re wondering, “When’s the next time I can visit a dentist near me?”, the answer is unfortunately unclear as of now. But by taking the right precautions at home, your family can avoid the worst-case scenario.
About Morgan-Hill Dental Care
At Morgan-Hill Dental Care, we have three highly experienced caring dentists who always put their patients first. We always enjoy the chance to get to know new patients and help them improve their unique smiles. We encourage our patients to keep their families safe at home during this time. If you have a dental issue that needs to be addressed or a question about your oral hygiene practices, you can get in touch with us by visiting our website or calling (498) 778-4838.