Do you pride yourself on the fact that you hardly ever get cavities? If so, you might be worried about the oral health consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. Because your dentist in Hamden is only treating dental emergencies and not performing cleanings, you might be anxious that you’ll get cavities before this is all over. However, if you follow all of the tips listed below, you should be able to keep your mouth clean and cavity-free until your dentist reopens.
1. Brush Enough
Many people remember to brush every morning and every night before bed, but they neglect to brush for long enough. Two minutes is the ideal brushing time. You should spend about thirty seconds on each quadrant of your mouth. One way to make sure you brush for long enough is to sing the alphabet song to yourself a couple of times. Don’t stop brushing until you reach the letter “Z” twice.
2. Don’t Forget to Floss
There’s a reason that flossing is many people’s New Year resolutions. A lot of people forget to clean between their teeth. Neglecting to floss causes plaque to build up along your gumline and between your teeth, contributing to oral health problems like gum disease and tooth decay. Set an alarm on your phone before bedtime to help you remember. Alternatively, you could set your floss container down on your pillow every day so you can’t go to bed without being reminded to floss.
3. Use Mouthwash
Mouthwashes are able to clean areas of your mouth that toothbrushes and floss simply can’t reach, ridding your mouth of leftover food debris and plaque. Add rinsing with mouthwash to your oral hygiene routine every night for a more thorough clean as well as fresher breath.
4. Keep Your Toothbrush Clean
You don’t need a toothbrush cover to keep the bristles clean. In fact, the American Dental Association warns that covering your brush may turn the bristles into a breeding ground for bacteria. Instead, keep your brush in an open toothbrush holder. Disinfect it at least once a week by either boiling it for five minutes or allowing it to soak in a denture cleanser.
5. Use a Tongue Scraper
Even after brushing your teeth, bacteria can still remain on your tongue and re-deposit on your teeth, causing cavities. Invest in a tongue scraper, which can be found cheaply in the dental section of most pharmacies or grocery stores. Run the scraper from the back to the front of your tongue at least once daily. Not only will it get rid of bacteria, but it can also freshen your breath.
It’s perfectly understandable to be worried about your oral health during these uncertain times. However, if you follow these tips, your mouth should remain cavity-free for the next few weeks or months until your dentist in Hamden opens their practice back up again.
About the Author
Dr. Ronald D’Andrea is a graduate of the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine. He has been elected a Fellow of the Pierre Fauchard Academy, which recognizes outstanding dentists and celebrates their achievements. Due to COVID-19, his practice is currently closed for all non-emergency patients. If you think you may have a dental emergency, contact Dr. D’Andrea’s practice by calling (203) 288-0951.
