How to Keep Your Smile Healthy Until Your Dentist Reopens

Has your dentist temporarily closed their practice in response to the COVID-19 pandemic? While most are still treating dental emergencies, regular checkups and cleanings are postponed until further notice. That means it’s up to you to keep your oral health on track throughout the COVID-19 quarantine! Here are seven practical tips to keep your smile happy and healthy until your Midland dentist reopens.

1.) Practice Healthy Hygiene at Home

A few adjustments to your regular at-home dental routine can help lower your chances of getting sick. Keep yourself and your home healthy every day by:

• Washing your hands before and after brushing your teeth.
• Brushing your teeth for two minutes twice a day and flossing daily.
• Regularly disinfecting high-traffic areas like countertops, sink handles, and doorknobs.

2.) Avoid the Store & Conserve Your Toothpaste

To prevent running out of toothpaste during quarantine, ensure you’re only using a drop about the size of a pea. Remember to always use fluoridated toothpaste to keep your teeth strong.

3.) Try Homemade Oral Health Remedies

Call your dentist if you have an oral infection or toothache. If it doesn’t require immediate urgent care, you can manage the symptoms at home by:

• Placing a cotton ball with a few drops of clove oil directly onto a painful tooth.
• Rinsing your mouth with saltwater to treat oral infections and soothe inflamed gums.

4.) Prevent Cavities & Don’t Munch Mindlessly

You may be more prone to snacking mindlessly or stress eating while stuck at home during uncertain times. Lower your risk of tooth decay by limiting how often you eat and drinking lots of water.

5.) Choose Smile-Friendly Snacks Instead

Adding a few healthy snacks into your daily diet can improve your oral health. Try eating more:

• Dairy products and lean proteins to fortify your teeth and jawbone.
• Fruits, vegetables, and berries with vitamin C to promote healthy gums and fight off infection.

6.) Break Bad Chewing Habits

Chewing on hard objects like pen caps, ice, or your fingernails when you’re stressed or bored is a bad habit that can quickly chip or break your teeth. Try chewing on a piece of sugarless gum instead.

7.) Practice Managing Stress

If you’re feeling stressed or anxious because of the COVID-19 pandemic, try practicing a few stress management tips from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, like:

• Eating nutritious meals, getting enough sleep, and exercising regularly.
• Limiting how much news about the pandemic you consume.
• Sharing your thoughts and feelings with friends, family, or professionals.

Staying at home is the best way to slow the spread of COVID-19 and a great opportunity to build healthy habits. Use these seven helpful tips to keep yourself and your smile healthy until your dentist reopens.

About the Author

Dr. Laura Philipps’ top priority has always been the health and safety of her patients, staff, and the community of Midland, TX. In compliance with Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s stay at home orders put into motion on April 17^th, 2020, she has made the difficult decision to temporarily close her practice. She encourages all her patients to practice regular handwashing and great at-home oral hygiene, and she looks forward to welcoming you back soon. She can be contacted via her website or at (432) 570-4433.