“Visit your dentist every six months.” You’ve most likely already heard this advice and taken it to heart in order to protect yourself from cavities and gum disease. But what if your dentist in Millersville has been forced to close their doors to all but emergency cases? Right now, you may not be able to get a regular dental checkup and cleaning; that does not mean, however, that your oral hygiene needs to suffer as a result. To learn more about protecting your smile during the COVID-19 pandemic, keep reading.
Why are Dental Practices Closed for COVID-19?
Because of the aerosolization of fluids that happens during routine dental work, dentists are more likely than most people to accidentally transmit or contact the virus. That means that even simple tasks such as removing plaque and tartar could carry a risk of spreading the sickness. That is why dental societies all around the country are instructing practices to delay all treatments and procedures that do not fall under the category of emergency care.
How Can You Keep Your Mouth Clean at Home?
A major benefit of dental cleanings is getting rid of harmful bacteria that accumulates in areas of your mouth that you’ve overlooked or had trouble reaching. Therefore, your biggest priority until you can schedule your next appointment should be brushing and flossing as thoroughly as possible. Make sure that you’re reaching all the spaces between your teeth, and don’t forget to brush near the gumline as well as the dental surfaces facing the inside of your mouth.
Here are a few other tips you should keep in mind:
- Take Your Time: You should use your toothbrush for at least two minutes at a time. Setting a timer or watching a short video can help.
- Choose Your Tools Carefully: Look for a brush that has small, soft bristles that can reach into the various crevices that your molars contain. Only buy toothpaste that has been approved by the ADA.
- Floss Properly: Use at least 18 inches of dental floss at a time; that way you can get between all the teeth without giving the bacteria you remove a chance to settle into a different crevice.
- Buy Some Mouthwash: Some spots might be too difficult to clean with a toothbrush no matter how much you try; mouthwash can help rinse away harmful substances that might have gotten trapped in these areas.
- Be Careful While Snacking: Indulging yourself every once in a while isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but try to avoid eating at night after you’ve already brushed.
Maintaining excellent oral hygiene will go a long way towards keeping the rest of your body healthy. Be careful about following all these steps to protect yourself from cavities while staying safe from COVID-19. The last question you need to be asking yourself during a crisis is, “Where is a dentist near me that can treat my emergency?”
About the Author
Dr. Devon Conklin loves seeing her patients at the Conklin & Ward dental group smile. After receiving her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Maryland Baltimore College of Dental Surgery, she completed a one-year residency to hone her skills in various areas of dentistry. She offers customized preventive care for all of her patients; you can get in touch with her by visiting her website or calling (410) 583-7010.