It is always important to take care of your oral health. But, now that we are stuck in our homes because of lockdown, it has become an even bigger priority. You can’t just go to your dentist for a routine checkup. Moreover, oral hygiene has a part to play in avoiding the spread of the virus, especially if someone in your house is not feeling well. Dentists all over the world are advising people to take extra care of their oral hygiene during the lockdown. Here is what you can do:
Don’t share the products
It is a well-known fact that you shouldn’t share your toothbrushes. This is advice for all your life, and not just during the pandemic. Toothbrushes, as well as tubes of toothpaste, are a breeding ground for microscopic pathogens and germs. If anyone in your house has been feeling unwell, get them a new toothbrush and sterilize everyone else’s daily. If possible, get a toothbrush holder and toothpaste for all the members of the family. Make sure that you clean the holder and have a separate glass for using the mouthwash.
Sterilize
You can use a sterilizing liquid for cleaning your toothbrushes, including the toothbrush heads, gum shields, whitening trays, and retainers. All these hygiene tools should be free of bacteria before entering your mouth.
Level up your routine
Getting dental help during lockdown won’t be easy. That is why it is crucial that you prioritize your oral health. Brushing your teeth is just not enough. The recommended routine involves flossing, interdental brushing, brushing, and using mouthwash. Make sure that you don’t use water for rinsing your mouth after brushing as it washes away the fluoride’s protective properties. Instead, you should wait about 30 minutes before rinsing. You can also use a LED light teeth whitening kit to have a picture-perfect smile.
Prevention is the key
In the lockdown period, it is important to avoid dental emergencies. Dental accidents where teeth are chipped, crowns are broken, or veneers fall off when you eat foods that are hard to chew. It is crucial to avoid these foods as without dental care, you will be left in excruciating pain. Some examples of such foods are fruits with hard stones, toffees, or hard-boiled sweets.
Home treatment
If you are in pain, you can either take over-the-counter painkillers or try a home remedy. If that doesn’t get you relief, you can contact your dentist through the phone. They might prescribe you an anesthetic gel that is available in pharmacies. Avoiding acidic or sugary foods and fizzy or sweet drinks is important as they can aggravate sensitivity and pain.
Apart from the above-mentioned tips, it will help you to get an emergency crown kit. It contains a dental glue that can be used for re-attaching the crown. However, it is recommended that you call your dentist before using it. Make sure that you follow a proper dental care routine every day and avoid eating foods that can cause damage to your teeth. In case there is an emergency that you cannot take care of at home, make sure that you follow all the precautionary measures while visiting the dentist.