Not long ago, Covid-19 may have seemed like nothing more than a news item affecting other parts of the world. Now, however, it has hit close to home, and people across the United States are experiencing unprecedented changes in their daily lives. One such change is the need to delay non-emergency dental treatment as part of recommended social distancing protocols. If one of your dental appointments has been canceled, it is important that you make efforts to continue keeping up with your dental hygiene through the quarantine. In this blog post, we provide practical tips to help you do just that.
Brush Thoroughly But Gently
You should brush your teeth at least twice a day, and you should do so for at least two minutes each time. It is important to use a toothpaste that contains fluoride because fluoride can prevent decay. It can also stop small cavities from quickly becoming large cavities.
When you brush, be sure to clean places that people commonly miss, such as the side of your teeth that faces your tongue and palate, as well as the area along the gum line. But also keep in mind the need to be gentle. If you apply too much pressure when you brush, you could accidentally harm your gums and irritate small areas of decay on your teeth.
Floss Every Evening
Flossing before you go to bed is crucial. The floss removes food particles and plaque from the tight spaces between your teeth. If you skip flossing, the food particles and plaque will sit on your teeth overnight and have a greater opportunity to contribute to tooth decay.
When you floss, be sure to use proper technique. Do not snap the floss between your teeth. Rather, gently insert it. Then, move it along bothof the teeth that surround the space, rather than just inserting the floss and quickly pulling it out.
Use a Mouthwash
A mouthwash can be an excellent addition to your oral hygiene routine. Swishing for 30 – 60 seconds before or after you brush your teeth may fight harmful bacteria and help to clean all the little nooks and crannies in your mouth.
The type of mouthwash you choose can have a big impact on how it affects your oral health. If cavities are a major concern for you, it may be best to choose a fluoride-containing mouthwash. On the other hand, if your gums are bleeding, you might opt for a product that is geared toward gum health.
Schedule Your Next Dental Appointment Now
After the spread of Covid-19 is under control, dental practices will resume normal working hours — and they will likely be extra busy. If you schedule your next appointment now, you can get an appointment for sooner rather than later. Then, your dentist can provide you with necessary treatment and you can rest easy knowing that your teeth and gums have received professional care.
About Our Practice
We have two general dentists and an oral surgeon on-staff at Willow Run Dental. We are deeply interested in both the oral and overall wellbeing of our patients, so we are complying with the American Dental Association’s recommendation to only provide emergency services at this time. We plan to resume normal operations after April 6. To request an appointment or learn more about how we are working to fight the spread of Covid-19, contact us via our website or call us at 207-783-0261.