With COVID-19, we’ve been following the ADA’s recommendation that dental offices close to everything but emergency dental services. Other appointments were canceled or postponed. So what happens if you had an appointment scheduled for this time? Dr. Andrew C. Cobb, a dentist in Washington, D.C., has some suggestions.
Reschedule Your Appointment
Your appointment may not be an emergency, but it’s still important for your oral health. Your dental checkup and cleaning for preventative care are what keeps your smile at its best. Don’t make this an excuse to skip your appointment. We may have already reached out to you to get your appointment rescheduled. If not, call us or utilize our online scheduling tool.
Follow an Oral Healthcare Routine at Home
Especially when you’re missing your preventative care appointment, it’s important to keep up with your oral health at home. We know it may be difficult during these trying times. Our whole routines have been upended. You may be adjusting to working from home or helping your children stay entertained. Smaller things may fall by the wayside.
However, if you want to prevent tooth decay and gum disease, it’s important to brush and floss at least twice a day. Set an alarm or reminder on your phone for mornings and evenings.
This can help both you and the rest of your household remember. It’s also not a bad thing to brush more often. If it helps you remember, brush after every meal. This also helps get food particles away from the teeth ASAP.
Keep an Eye On What You’re Consuming
What you eat can play a big part in your oral health. Eating a perfectly healthy, balanced diet can be hard right now. Grocery stores have limited hours and are struggling to keep products on shelves. Many of us are understandably turning to comfort food, which often isn’t the healthiest. But there are some simple things you can do with your diet to help your oral health.
First, try to limit the sugar you consume. Sugar is one of the worst things for your teeth. There are harmful bacteria in your mouth that use it as your main food source. These bacteria then emit an acidic byproduct that eats through the enamel on your teeth. This is what causes problems with dental cavities and further tooth decay. The more sugar you consume, the more byproduct released in your mouth.
Also, drink a lot of water. It should be the primary beverage you consume. Unlike some drinks, it doesn’t contain hidden additives or sugars. If it’s tap water, it’s often fortified with fluoride to strengthen the enamel on your teeth. Even if it isn’t, water is still the best for your oral health. It keeps the mouth hydrated and helps to rinse sugars and food particles away from your smile.
Your Dentist in Washington, D.C.
We’re here to help after the pandemic has calmed down. Call us or schedule an appointment online for the future.