As part of efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19, most dental offices throughout the country have suspended normal operations. They are still serving patients, but they have postponed all elective and non-emergency procedures. Has your dental treatment been delayed? If so, it is vital that you maintain your dental hygiene through the quarantine. Your good habits will stop current oral health problems from rapidly worsening and prevent new ones from occurring. In this post, we provide some friendly reminders on how you can care for your teeth at home.
Brush Thoroughly
Most people have the habit of brushing their teeth twice a day. However, they may not correctly brush their teeth. To make sure this part of your oral hygiene routine is as effective as possible, you should:
- Be thorough. You should brush for a total of about two minutes, spending 30 seconds cleaning each quadrant of your mouth. Make sure to brush the area along the gum line and the side of your teeth that faces your tongue.
- Be gentle. Overenthusiastic brushing can irritate the gum tissue and cause premature wear and tear to tooth enamel.
Floss Nightly
Allowing bacteria and food particles to cling to your teeth overnight gives them an opportunity to damage your oral health. That is why it is so important that you thoroughly clean your mouth before bedtime. Flossing is a key part of doing so because it removes plaque and food from the tight spaces between the teeth that your toothbrush cannot get to.
When you floss, be sure to move the floss along both of the teeth that surround a space, rather than just inserting the floss and pulling it out. Also, make sure that you are gentle. Snapping the floss between your teeth could damage your gums.
Add a Mouthwash to Your Routine
Swishing with a mouthwash for 30 – 60 seconds either before or after you brush can help you to clean all the little nooks and crannies in your mouth. When you are choosing a mouthwash, pick one that is designed to address your unique needs. For example, if you have a cavity that needs to be filled, a fluoride-containing mouthwash might be best. If you have a pending gum disease treatment, a mouthwash that is geared to promote gum health will likely be your ideal option.
Schedule Your Next Appointment ASAP
When dental practices resume normal operations, they will likely be much busier than usual. To make sure that you get your required treatment in a timely manner, consider reaching out to your dentist’s office now. They will try to schedule an appointment for you as soon as possible.
Has your dental treatment been delayed due to COVID-19? Use the above tips to protect your oral health throughout the quarantine.
About the Author
Dr. Venu Chimmiri has over 15 years of experience in dentistry. His advanced training and expert skills have earned him a reputation as one of the best dentists in our area. He cares deeply about the patients of Meriden Dental Group, which is why we are currently providing only emergency care. If you would like to schedule an appointment for when we resume normal operations, or you would like to learn more about how we are fighting COVID-19, contact us at 203-235-3539.