Many things about life have changed in the current COVID-19 Pandemic. One of them being Dental Care. While guidelines allow for urgent dental care, dentists are having to suspend cleanings and checkups. So what can you do at home while waiting for dental care?
Consistently Prioritize Good Dental Hygiene
While waiting for dental care, we can and should prioritize our own part in preventative dental care! Excellent flossing and brushing routines go a long way to preventing the need for urgent dental care. Take care of your beautiful smile, and prioritize what you can to minimize the need to go to the dentist. Some ways you can support yourself in that is to use a toothbrushing app or up your flossing game. Find ways to make good dental hygiene a healthy habit that you enjoy!
Be Smart About Safety
Now is a good time to brush up on different safety rules with your household. Nobody wants to have a dental injury at any time, but right now we all want to leave our homes as little as possible as well. Some common injuries to the face and mouth during sports can cause dental injuries to the soft tissues, and teeth. If you have one, wear a mouthguard while playing sports with your family. Avoid risky behavior that could result in a mouth injury.
Eat Well, Live Well
Your diet has an important impact on your oral health as well. During this time where we are at home, it can be tempting to eat differently than usual, but now is just as important as ever to choose healthy foods for ourselves. Foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables, meat and cheese and yogurt, and even the occasional chocolate treat, can help support oral health. Foods such as chips, crackers, candies high in sugar, or even drinks that contain a lot of acid or sugar like fruit juice, energy drinks, or soda can have an adverse effect on your oral health. Choosing healthy lifestyle habits and healthy food is just as crucial now as ever. Drinking plenty of water can also help support your oral health.
When You Can, Treat at Home
While waiting for dental care to resume regular operation, it may be prudent to treat small needs at home. Always call your dentist if you are in pain or think you may have a cavity, and consult with them on whether or not it is a situation needing emergency care. But if it is something that can wait, your dentist may advise you to treat your symptoms at home. Some toothaches can be treated with things you already have at home, like a warm salt water rinse, or an application of an analgesic gel, or even an ice pack or heating pad.
If you need to consult with a dentist during this time about your current dental care needs, call our Pleasanton or San Antonio dental office to make an appointment with a dentist who may be able to help you find out more about this topic, and improve your oral health.
