We are living in unprecedented times. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are having to adjust our lifestyles to abide by new social distancing protocol. Our everyday lives are looking different than ever before: dining-out at our favorite restaurants, grocery shopping, and even receiving routine health care requires a different approach.
While following state, federal and CDC suggestions and guidelines, most dental practices have recently been limited to providing urgent or emergency oral health care services. As our states begin to slowly re-open, we are also beginning to expand our services beyond just emergency services to now include limited, non-urgent care. Although we have always provided the safest environment possible, we are continuing to take additional precautions to keep our patients and staff safe and healthy. Care is currently, and for the foreseen future, being delivered in a way that is different than what both our patients and staff are used to.
To learn more about the steps we are taking to ensure the safety of our patients and staff, click here.
As we continue to expand services, there may be more time between your regularly scheduled dental exams and/or cleanings. Because of this, we have compiled a list of tips to help keep your mouth as healthy as possible between dental visits.
- Brush your teeth for two minutes twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
- Brush more than your teeth – bacteria can collect on your tongue and gums, so make sure to clean more than just your teeth.
- Change your toothbrush every three months, when you are sick or if the bristles are looking worn.
- Floss between each tooth once a day – A toothbrush alone cannot reach all the little crevasses between your teeth. If you are not flossing you are missing more than 33% of your tooth’s surface.
- Use mouthwash but not directly after brushing. If your rinse too quickly after brushing, you are rinsing all the fluoride off of your teeth. In order to get all the benefits from your fluoride toothpaste, you should not rinse, drink or eat at least 30 minutes after brushing.
- Eat a dental friendly diet - Reduce sweets and sticky or hard foods (including ice). For a more information about what foods promote a healthy mouth, click here.
- Drink plenty of water during and between meals and when drinking beverages that can stain your teeth (like wine, soda, and juice). This prevents cavity-causing bacteria from lingering in your mouth, and even helps to ward off bad breath.
- Teeth are for chewing; not ripping, tearing or opening… Reduce your chance of chipping, cracking, breaking a tooth, or possibly even a dental emergency by using your teeth for what they were made for – chewing.
- Take advantage of teledentistry: Call your preferred practice to request a teledentistry appointment and speak with a dentist from the comfort of your own home.