Maintaining Dental Health While Under COVID-19 Quarantine

In the middle of the COVID-19 global pandemic, we know that good dental hygiene may not be at the top of your checklist. However, this could change very quickly if you develop a painful dental cavity or infection and are unable to see a dentist.

The best way to maintain your dental health throughout this crisis is to continue a daily routine of brushing and flossing to prevent tooth decay and plaque buildup. Rinsing with a non-alcohol mouthwash twice a day can also reduce the buildup, which can lead to gum inflammation. The main objective is keeping dental plaque in check.

Faraj Edher, DDS, a prosthodontist located in Vancouver, told Healthline, “if you haven’t already, make the switch to an electric toothbrush and brush your teeth for two minutes. This has shown to offer the highest levels of oral hygiene, which is crucial at a time when you aren’t seeing your dentist or hygienist for cleanings and checkups.”

When dealing with the stress and boredom of self-quarantine, excessive snacking can be a habit that’s all too easy to adopt. Avoid eating too much sugar, and make sure that you’re drinking enough water. Not only will this help keep you hydrated, but water will also wash away any remaining sugar on the teeth.

As COVID-19 spreads across the U.S., the American Dental Association has advised dental offices to restrict operations to emergency procedures only. In states including New York City, dentists have actually been prohibited from providing any non-emergency services, including exams, cleanings, aesthetic work, and fillings.

To avoid being miserable and in pain due to a toothache during quarantine, it’s more important than ever to take care of your dental hygiene. From all of us here at Coastal Periodontics, we hope you stay safe and encourage you to stay home!