Dental health tips while we self isolate

As dentists, we love to educate. How many times have you heard me, one of our doctors, our hygienists or dental assistants give you some advice about your dental health? Now that I can’t do that in person, here are some tips via email or Facebook:

1. How do I still maintain my routine at home and is it bad that I won’t be able to do my cleaning as scheduled?

• Unfortunately, there is nothing we can do about not doing your cleaning as scheduled but there are some things you can do at home to ensure that the effects of stretching out your cleaning are not as bad.
• Brush twice a day for at least 2 minutes. Whether you use an electric toothbrush or a manual toothbrush, the principles are the same. Stay on the gum line. Use a timer and brush for a minimum of 2 minutes. Use a soft-bristled brush with a small head. An indicator that will alert you if you are brushing too hard.
• Use something to clean in between your teeth. You can use floss, floss picks (floss suspended on a handle), proxy brushes (small bottle brushes that you use like toothpicks between your teeth), Waterpik. Many people will use floss and Waterpik after and they will still find food come out.
• Use a mouthwash. If you have a history of gum disease (gingivitis or periodontal disease) you can use the peridex you got to treat it. You can use 1% hydrogen peroxide twice a day for 30 seconds. That may kill the coronavirus. Alternatively, warm salt water rinse will help too.
• You can use the hydrogen peroxide in your Waterpik as well.
• You can purchase disclosing tablets off amazon to help highlight the areas where plaque still remains after your cleaning routine. It will help retrain your technique.

I hope this is helpful. As always, if you have specific questions, you can always call us to help you answer them.