The Corona outbreak (spread of Covid19) has forced us all into lockdown. Since most of the dentists are closed or only handling emergencies maintaining of oral health during lockdown is very important.
Some tips for maintaining oral health during lockdown:
Brush Twice Daily
Twice daily brushing is the easiest way for maintaining oral health during lockdown.
Brush properly for upto two minutes in the morning and before going to bed. Use a toothbrush with a soft bristles and comfortable handle. Always use cream type toothpaste; the gel variety is more abrasive. Follow correct way of brushing.
Using a Fluoridated tooth paste is important. Kids less than five years of age and toddlers should be given non fluoridated toothpaste or very minimum amount of adult toothpaste.
Keep your brush clean and away form toilet, also wash your brush with soap and luke warm water before use.
This is a great time to inculcate the habit of brushing in your kids. Brush with your kids every night.
Avoid using toothpicks, nails or other sharp objects to remove food from between the teeth instead use inter dental brushes easily available at the chemists
Keep your Tongue clean
Proper cleaning of tongue is important in maintaining oral health during lockdown. Use your brush to clean the tongue.
Clean tongue can prevent bad breath (Halitosis)
Floss Everyday
Try to floss once a day and be gentle when doing so in-order to prevent harm to the gums.
Healthy Eating is important in Maintaining Oral Health during Lockdown
It is really tempting to keep snacking all day during the lockdown.
Keep a regular eating pattern with regular meal timings.
Avoid taking lots sugary foods and drinks. Bacteria which causes plaque can use sugar to produce acids which attack enamel, the hard surface of tooth. This can lead to cavities.
Eat a balanced diet that is rich in proteins and limiting carbohydrates.
Let the mid meal snacks of kids be fruits instead of candies or chocolates.
Do not use your Teeth as Tools
Teeth should be used only for chewing!
Avoid using your teeth as bottle openers, nail cutters, packet openers and such.
As we spend lockdown under extreme temperatures, avoid chewing on ice cubes.
These habits can lead to crack formation or chipping of teeth leading to pain and discomfort. With lots of dental offices closed it makes sense not to do anything detrimental with your teeth.
Maintaining General Health
Maintaining general health is as important as maintaining oral health during lockdown.
Most of the uncontrolled medical conditions can have affects on the oral health, therefore try to keep conditions like Diabetes, Hypertension, Asthma etc under control.
Controlling Habits
Limit consumption of alcohol, reduce smoking and refrain from Pan or Beetle nut chewing during lockdown.
The stress during lockdown can cause increase use of such substances leading to problems such as ulcers, dry mouth and TMJ problems.
Try to avoid stress and be in a calm state of mind.
Do not Self Medicate
Inspite of all the steps we take in maintaining oral health during lockdown , still some us might face dental problems like pain, swelling or sensitivity.
It is imperative not to self medicate and instead talk to the doctor.
The medicines (antibiotics and painkillers) prescribed earlier might not work for the present problem, discuss with your doctor over the phone.
Avoid visiting a dental clinic as much as possible, and if you still need to do so confirm with your doctor first.
Modern Dental wishes you to be safe during and after the lockdown.
Further read :What do I do if I have Dental Pain during Corona Pandemic?
