As you know, at this time of Covid-19, dentists are only seeing emergency patients and it is more important than ever to maintain your teeth at home to avoid becoming an emergency patient. These are some tips to keep your mouth healthy:
1. Have good oral hygiene - brush your teeth after each meal with a so
ft toothbrush for 2 minutes, and floss at least once a day. Be careful flossing as you don't want to risk pulling out a weak filling at this time; floss straight up or down and pull the floss straight out to the side.
2. Drink lots of water - water helps wash bacteria and food particles and acid off your teeth and can help reduce the risk of cavities.
3. Avoid sugars in your diet - bacteria that live in your mouth feed on the sugars in your diet and produce acid. The acid produced from the bacteria is what eats through your teeth and causes decay. No sugars, no cavities. Brush your teeth immediately after consuming sugary foods or drinks.
4. Avoid acid foods and drinks - acid weakens the enamel of your teeth and makes them softer and easier for the acid from the bacteria to eat through your teeth faster. Acid in the diet speeds up the formation of cavities. Alkaline foods or drinks may help protect against cavities. Please note that lemon water is acidic and you should be drinking this with a straw to avoid the acid over all your teeth. Rinse with water and wait 20 minutes to allow the effects of the acid to be neutralized before you brush your teeth.
5. Avoid hard foods that might cause a weak tooth or filling to break. Avoid chewing on hard things like ice, nuts, bones, channa, granola and popcorn. Avoid habits such as biting your fingernails which could chip a front tooth.
6. Be aware of clenching and grinding. Stress and anxiety levels have increased for everyone and you may be clenching or grinding without knowing it. This may cause teeth or fillings to break, or may cause your jaw joint or muscles to hurt. Try to keep your jaw relaxed and remember that your teeth should never be touching except while eating.
7. If you have any type of pain, swelling or bleeding or if you have had an accident or trauma to your face, contact your dentist right away.