The American Dental Association (ADA) is deeply concerned about the health of dentists, their staff members, and their patients. That is why their organization has recommended that dental offices only provide emergency care until the Covid-19 crisis is under control. This precaution may mean that your necessary treatment has been postponed. What can you do to care for your oral health while you are waiting to visit your dentist? Use the below tips to keep up with your dental hygiene through the quarantine.
Brush Up on Your Brushing Technique
The majority of people have a habit of regularly brushing their teeth. That is very good, but some individuals are missing out on the full benefits of brushing. Here are some tips on proper brushing technique:
- Brush for at least two minutes. Try to spend 30 seconds or so cleaning each quadrant of your mouth. Some electric toothbrushes even have a timer that lets you know when to move on to a different area.
- Be thorough. Many people forget to brush the backs of their teeth or the area along the gum line.
- Be gentle. Applying too much pressure when you brush could damage your gums and irritate spots of decay on your teeth.
Floss Before Bedtime
When you are asleep, saliva production slows down. Because saliva helps to rinse away harmful bacteria and food particles, a lack of it can worsen or cause dental decay. That is why it is so important that you floss each night before you go to bed.
When you are flossing, make sure that you move the floss along all the sides of your teeth, rather than just inserting the floss between your teeth and pulling it out. Do not forget to floss the back side of your back molars. Always be gentle so you do not accidentally damage your gums or your teeth with the floss.
Use a Mouthwash
Using a mouthwash either before or after you brush your teeth can be an excellent means of cleaning all the little nooks and crannies in your mouth. When you are picking out a mouthwash, opt for one that is designed to address your specific oral health needs. For example, if you are waiting to get a cavity filled, a fluoride-containing mouthwash might be best because it can drastically slow down the spread of decay. If gum disease is a concern for you, a mouthwash that is designed to fight gingivitis may be ideal.
Schedule Your Next Dental Appointment
Once Covid-19 is no longer a major concern, dental offices will resume normal operations. However, they might be much busier than usual while they try to catch up on treatments that were postponed during quarantine. To make sure you get an appointment slot that works for your schedule, try to contact your dentist as soon as possible and get your treatment on the books.
Has your dental appointment been delayed due to Covid-19? The above tips can help you to protect your oral health through the quarantine.
About Us
New Haven Dental Group has four offices throughout New Haven County, including the one in Hamden. Because we care deeply about the overall health and wellness of our patients, we are only providing urgent and emergency care at this time. We plan to resume providing routine services after April 6. If you would like to learn more about how we are helping to fight the spread of Covid-19, or you would like to schedule your next appointment with us, contact our team at 203-288-8221.