How can you take care of your oral health during "Shelter in Place"?

The situations around the world now have made it most important to keep great personal hygiene. As you know, non-emergency dental treatments are postponed all over the country. Along with personal hygiene, it is also essential to have good dental home care. Here are some tips you can follow for your dental health during this quarantine and make them a lifelong habit.

How can I maintain my oral health during COVID-19?

As many people are working from home and getting adjusted to new routines, it might be easy to include some good dental habits in it. The following tips can help you out: 

• Wash your hands before and after any dental routine.
• Brush your teeth using fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day.
• Floss once a day, as it helps in removing bacteria and plaque lodged between your teeth.
• Rinse your mouth using mouthwash at least once a day.
• Consume a balanced diet and cut down on snacks that are sticky and sugary like cake and cookies.
• Limit your frequent snacking, as it can lead to cavities.
• Reduce the consumption of sugary drinks like soda or juices, as it can affect the surfaces of your teeth.
• Drink lots of water to encourage saliva production, which reduces the risk of cavities.
• Do not smoke. It reduces the flow of blood to your mouth, which makes it easy for the bacteria to proliferate.
• Don’t ever share a toothbrush. It doesn’t matter how close you are with the people with you. Through this kind of sharing, you transmit viruses and blood-borne diseases to other people or might get one.
• Keep your toothbrush heads away from each other.
• Change your toothbrush, or your brush head often, as it helps in preventing the spread of bacteria. It is recommended to change it at least every three months or when the bristles get frayed.

What should I do when I have a dental emergency?

If you are a current patient of record and have a true emergency and require immediate care, feel free to call our office at (408) 435-8000 and follow the voicemail instructions. 

Make sure that you follow these essential measures to protect yourself and also your loved ones.