With the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, many medical services have been postponed or rescheduled. That means most routine dental appointments and non-emergency procedures have been postponed or rescheduled. If you had your normal dental cleaning and check-up scheduled during the months of March, April, and May, you may be forced to reschedule with your Fallbrook dentist.
In the meantime, you will want to do whatever possible to keep your teeth healthy until your next dental visit. Here are a few things to keep in mind to maintain the overall health of your mouth, teeth, and gums.
Keep to Your Brushing and Flossing Routine
The truth is that unless you have a cavity, abscess, or another emergency, this wait is simply pushing out your normal routine check-up. Therefore, you need to maintain your daily oral routine of brushing twice a day and flossing, even if you are staying home and not going anywhere. Doing so will reduce the bacteria on your teeth and gums, thus keeping them healthy.
Do Not Increase Your Sugar Intake
Staying at home means it is easier to snack on less than healthy options, including cookies, cakes, and more. To keep your teeth and gums healthy, it is important not to increase the amount of sugar that you eat, even if you are tempted. Find ways to remain active and minimize the unintentional snacking, especially the sugary options. Focus on healthy eating options.
Keep your toothbrush clean
The virus can be transmitted on surfaces, and if one of those surfaces is your toothbrush. If the virus is on your toothbrush and is then put into your mouth, then you could be giving the virus easy access. By regularly cleaning your toothbrush and keeping it away from frequently touched surfaces, you can reduce the risk. It is also important to wash your hands before flossing and putting them into your mouth.
Switch to an electric toothbrush
If you have not already done so, consider switching to an electric toothbrush. Many come with timers or other settings that can help you to make sure that you brush for a full 2 minutes. Doing so will help to breakdown plaque and tarter, thus reducing tooth decay while you wait to get back into see your dentist or dental hygienist.
Another option is to use a water pic for flossing your teeth, thus reducing the amount of time your hands are in your mouth, while getting a quality flossing experience. Your Fallbrook dentist may be able to recommend both an electric toothbrush and flossing tool that will fit your needs.
Make a non-alcohol-based mouthwash routine
Using a non-alcohol-based mouthwash can provide an additional layer of protection for your teeth and gums. The non-alcohol mouthwash will not disrupt the oral microbiome in your mouth, thus keeping one aspect of your immune system intact. Additionally, make sure to use a fluoride-based toothpaste to give your teeth and gums additional protection.
Our team is currently taking emergency dental procedures only to protect our patients and staff. We will be working to reschedule all appointments once the stay at home orders are lifted. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please contact us.
Gernot Winkler, DDS, is dedicated to serving clients with general and family, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry. Located in Fallbrook, Dr. Winkler sees patients throughout San Diego County including neighboring cities such as Fallbrook, Bonsall, Rainbow, and Temecula.