Due to COVID-19, most dental offices have been following the ADA’s recommendations to close to everything but emergency services. This means that appointments for other issues have been postponed or canceled. But what does this mean if you had one of these appointments? Dr. Mark Sowell of Aesthetic Dentistry Centre, a dentist in Plano, TX, has some tips.
Get That Appointment Rescheduled
Just because it isn’t considered an immediate dental emergency doesn’t mean that it’s something that should be skipped. Things like your regular dental checkup and cleaning are still essential for your overall oral health. Our office may have already reached out to you to reschedule. If not, please call us or use our online scheduling tool to get something set up.
Keep Up With Oral Heath at Home
Your home oral healthcare routine is a big part of your dental hygiene. During these uncertain times, it can be hard to keep track of it. Our daily routine has been disrupted. You may still be adjusting to working from home or helping children with online learning. Things that are smaller, like remembering to brush or floss twice a day, may fall by the wayside.
However, if you want to avoid problems with tooth decay and gum disease, it’s important that you remember. Set an alarm or reminder on your phone for mornings and evenings. This can alert you and your household to at least get your twice a day in. If it helps you to remember, brush and floss after every meal. It definitely doesn’t hurt if you’re doing it more than twice a day.
Watch What You’re Consuming
Diet is another essential part of your oral health. We know you probably aren’t eating a completely healthy diet right now. Grocery stores have limited hours and are having trouble keeping shelves stocked. Many of us are turning to comfort food, which often isn’t the healthiest. But there are easy things you can do with your diet to boost your oral health.
First, avoid consuming too much sugar. Sugar is one of the worst things for your teeth. Harmful oral bacteria use it as their main food source. They then give off an acidic byproduct that eats through the enamel on your teeth. This is what causes problems with cavities and the need for dental fillings. The more sugar you eat, the more that byproduct is being released into your mouth.
Also, drink water as your primary beverage. It doesn’t contain any hidden sugars or additives like some other drinks. And if you’re drinking tap water, there’s a good chance that it’s fortified with fluoride to strengthen your tooth enamel. Even if it isn’t, water is the best choice for your mouth. It helps keep it hydrated, rinsing away sugars and food particles from your smile.
Your Dentist in Plano, Texas
We’re here to make sure that the stress of the pandemic hasn’t harmed your smile. Call us or schedule an appointment online for the future!