To support nationwide efforts to stop the spread of Covid-19, the American Dental Association has recommended that all dental offices suspend normal operations. Currently, they are only offering urgent and emergency care. That means that many patients will have to wait to receive necessary treatment. Are you one of them? Maintaining your dental hygiene through the quarantine can prevent current dental issues from rapidly worsening and stop new ones from developing. Here are some useful oral care tips to help you safeguard your teeth and gums.
Examine Your Brushing Habits
Most people regularly brush their teeth, but not everyone brushes their teeth correctly. To make sure your brushing routine is as effective as possible, be sure you:
- Are thorough. Many people often forget to brush the side of their teeth that faces the inside of the mouth, or they might not be diligent about cleaning the area along the gum line.
- Are gentle. Applying too much pressure when you brush could prematurely wear away at your tooth enamel.
- Are patient. Do not hurry when you brush your teeth. Try to spend about 30 seconds cleaning each quadrant of your mouth.
Floss Nightly
Flossing is essential because it cleans out the tight spaces between the teeth that your toothbrush cannot reach. Flossing at night is especially important. If you do not floss as part of your bedtime routine, plaque and food particles can sit on your teeth overnight and will have a greater opportunity to do harm.
To make sure your flossing routine is truly beneficial, you should:
- Be gentle. Do not “snap” the floss between your teeth. Doing so could harm your gums.
- Floss the teeth, not just the spaces between them. Instead of inserting your floss between your teeth and pulling it out right away, carefully move it along the sides of both teeth that surround the space.
Consider Using a Mouthwash
A mouthwash can be a valuable addition to your oral hygiene routine. As you swish the liquid around your mouth, it can kill harmful bacteria and rinse away particles from all the little nooks and crannies around your teeth. Be sure to choose a mouthwash that aims to address your specific oral health issues. For example, if cavities are a significant concern for you, a fluoride-containing product may be your best option.
Schedule Your Next Dental Appointment ASAP
When dental offices resume their normal operations, they are likely to be much busier than usual. Contacting your dentist to schedule an appointment as soon as possible can help to ensure that you do not have to wait any longer than necessary for treatment.
Has your dental treatment been postponed due to Covid-19? Use the above tips to protect your oral health through the quarantine.
A Note from Our Practice
Dr. Aveni and our team miss our dear patients. However, we are currently only accepting emergency cases as part of our efforts to fight the spread of Covid-19. We plan to resume normal operations sometime after April 6. If you would like to learn more about how we are helping to protect our patients’ health, or you would like to schedule your next appointment, contact us at 508-746-1918.