Never before has there been a time when America was gripped by so much negative emotion than when the coronavirus struck. With thousands upon thousands of Americans dying and millions still infected by the virus, the pandemic is sowing fear to everyone. For instance, some COVID-19 patients are reporting that their teeth are falling out. That may or may not be true.
Still, the truth of the matter is in the chaos that has ensued, we shouldn’t forget about taking care of our own personal health. On top of this list are our teeth.
Why? Simply because traditional care which used to be available in normal circumstances may not be a go-to option nowadays. Some states are still wary of opening up their economies. And we should understand that. Some dental care offices may not be open for service.
The good news is there are services that have already started seeing patients these days. They’re taking extra precautions to provide needed care safely. Even better, you can rely on tried-and-tested ways when dealing with various oral emergencies. In this regard, here’s a lowdown on oral health from certified oral care experts.
Keeping Your Teeth Healthy Daily
Now more than ever you need to be conscientious when caring for your teeth during a pandemic. It’s easy to go easy on oral care especially now that you’ve been staying for months on end at home.
Some of the things that you need to do are in accordance with government-implemented guidelines to stay safe. For instance, you should make it a point to wash your hands for a duration of 20 seconds before and after you get dental care. If not, aim to use rubbing alcohol that’s 70% isopropyl. Take note that washing hands with soap and water is still the most effective way to disinfect against the virus.
The usual daily routine that has been recommended by dentists everywhere such as brushing teeth twice daily should be observed in these challenging times. And that should come with a nutritious, balanced diet which should include a healthy portion of fruits and vegetables. Remember that not only do apples, celery and carrots can help you clean plaque, but fruits and veggies are also a good source of antioxidants and vitamins that are beneficial to your teeth.
This also means you should limit your intake of sugary drinks and junk foods. Soda brings harm to your teeth’ surfaces while frequent snacking causes more cavities to reside in your teeth. In short, you should learn to control your intake.
Indeed, you should consult a dental professional if you have teeth issues. For one, if you’ve lost a number of teeth, now may be a good time to book an appointment with your oral care expert. To note, dentures can go a long way in helping you enjoy food once again, not to mention give you a more confident look and a fuller smile. Just make sure you drop the dental clinic a call before you come over.
How about Dental Emergencies?
You have to remember that the COVID-19 crisis is an ongoing crisis. So you must ensure that you are up to date with daily guidelines implemented by your local and the federal government.
This is also the reason why calling before visiting your dentist is wise. It keeps you and your dentist out of harm’s way.
Know that you have to avoid going to the dental clinic as much as possible. Instead, you should exhaust phone and online options when dealing with oral emergencies. In a sense, telehealth services should be your primary means of contact with your dental professional. Sometimes, in the rush of things, you’ll forget that there are many emergencies that can be resolved over the phone. A classic example is a toothache. As painful as a toothache is, it can be remedied with over-the-counter (OTC) drugs.
For painful toothache without swelling, you can rely on either Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen, or a combination of both. Refer to your dentist for the right dosage.
Pain that’s accompanied by swelling will still need the same OTC drugs. However, this time you need to give your mouth some rinsing using warm saltwater. Again, call your dental professional should the pain persists.
If for any reason, your dentures get broken or you have issues with your dentures, go ask your pharmacy for the right DIY kits. A “denture repair kit” should help you put your dentures back in good form. While a “denture reline kit” should put your dentures back in solid footing in your mouth.
If you’re experiencing trauma such as a physical injury to your mouth, call your dentist at once. He should be able to guide you and if need be meet you in person for a dental appointment.
Certainly, there’s a need for us to take care of our teeth. And that should be done, but with ample care and safety measures factored in. By doing so, you get yourself out of harm’s way while keeping your pearly whites in tiptop shape. For a more confident you.