How to Take Care of Your Teeth During the Coronavirus – and Beyond

The COVID-19 coronavirus has forced many people to delay their dental treatments, putting them on hold until things get back to normal.

During this time of home isolation and social distancing, it’s more important than ever to take care of your teeth and gums. If you don’t, then you could develop dental issues that could take a while to get treated because of this pandemic.

Fortunately, taking good care of your teeth and gums is easy, especially if you have no major dental issues. You just need to be more vigilant and disciplined in maintaining proper oral hygiene.

Here are some of the best ways to do it.

Brush your teeth at least twice a day

Brushing your teeth regularly is crucial to ensuring proper oral health – pandemic or not. So make sure you brush your teeth at least twice a day for at least two minutes each time (ideally after waking up in the morning and before going to bed at night). Remember to brush all your teeth evenly, spending enough time on each quadrant of your mouth to ensure a thorough clean.

Keep your toothbrush clean

While we’re on the subject of brushing your teeth, remember to also make sure that your toothbrush is clean and in good condition. A dirty toothbrush can spread bacteria in your mouth easily, while an old and worn toothbrush will not be as effective. Make sure you always keep your toothbrush clean before and after using it. You should also replace it if it’s worn out. (We recommend replacing your toothbrush around every three months, depending on how worn it is.)

Floss at least once a day

Flossing is one of the best ways to remove particles between your teeth, so it’s important to floss at least once a day to help prevent plaque build-up. And if you’re prone to gum disease or tartar build-up, we recommend flossing at least twice a day. Flossing may require extra time and effort, but the benefits it offers for your oral health will be worth it.

Stay hydrated

Not only will staying hydrated keep your body healthy, but it will also help protect your teeth and gums. Drinking water regularly can remove leftover food particles and bacteria in your mouth, helping minimise plaque build-up. Water can also help neutralise any acid in your mouth that could cause tooth decay. Not to mention the fact that water is a key component of your saliva, which helps fight off bacteria in your mouth. So make sure to water regularly throughout the day, both for your health and your teeth.

Mind your diet

Keeping a close eye on what you eat and drink will help you ensure optimal oral health during this pandemic. You’ll want to avoid (or at least minimise) your consumption of sugary and acidic foods, which can weaken your tooth’s enamel over time. If you do consume these foods, make sure you drink plenty of water and brush your teeth after if possible.

Contact Your Dental Practitioner for Dental Care

If you need professional dental care during this pandemic, the great news is that dental services are gradually being brought back with extra precautions in place.

The Dental Board of Australia has recently eased restrictions for dental treatments down to Level 1 restrictions, which allows non-emergency and elective dental treatments to be conducted with extra safety precautions and patient screening. But make sure to check with your state or territory’s guidelines for dental services, since each region will have different regulations in response to their current situation.

If you’re in New South Wales and need quality dental care or treatments, contact us today to book an appointment or learn how we can help.