How Should I Keep My Teeth Healthy During Covid-19?

Dental Implants Massachusetts Dentist, Mark R. Turner, DDS

Many of us have focused on trying to take care of our health during these uncertain times. We may be feeling helpless in this time of social distancing and business closures due to the Covid-19 outbreak. During these difficult and stressful times, it is hard to keep a routine, keeping your teeth healthy during Covid-19 is an important routine to keep!

Steps to keep your teeth healthy during Covid-19

Hand Washing

-Be sure to wash your hands for 20 seconds before and after any oral care.

Brush

-Make sure you are brushing with a soft or ultra-soft toothbrush for 2 minutes, 2-3x/day.

Floss

-Floss at least once a day (skipping the floss is equal to cleaning about 40% of the surfaces of your teeth).flossing once a day to keep gums and teeth healthy.  It will not only prevent tooth decay but gingival inflammation that can lead to periodontal disease. 

Toothbrush Replacement

-Switching out your toothbrush/toothbrush head, especially if you have been sick to prevent reinfection.  Recommendation to replace your toothbrush/toothbrush head every 3 months is normally recommended.  Also remember to switch out the brush if another member of your household has been sick and your toothbrushes are stored in the same holder.

Rinse

-Use an anti-gingivitis rinse daily to reduce biofilm count and reduce likelihood of developing gingivitis (i.e. bleeding gums).

Waterpik

Waterpik water-flossers are a great addition to your home care regimen. They are great for fixed dental work that can be difficult to get a piece of floss around or under. Braces, bridges, implants, crowns and large spaces in between teeth are all great reasons to use one, although, they can be used by anyone who wishes.

Snacking

-Stay away from sugar and don’t snack constantly throughout the day. Snacking and drinking liquids, other than water, throughout the day doesn’t give your mouth a chance to get back to normal acidity levels. This causes plaque/biofilm build-up and bacteria that causes cavities.

Dentures, Retainers, Nite-Guards, and Aligners

-Make sure retainers, nite-guards, orthodontic aligners, etc., are being worn as instructed and are being cleaned properly. You can soak them in solution that was given with the appliance if any solution was given or use denture cleaner. Make sure that they are able to air dry after being cleaned or rinsed.

-Orthodontic aligners may need to be worn longer than planned to keep the teeth aligned while we are waiting for dental professionals to work at full capacity again. 

-Partial plates/dentures or full dentures should be taken out and cleaned overnight to reduce bacteria count and to give the mouth time to breathe. 

Electric Toothbrushes

-Electric toothbrushes are recommended if you can get one. -Brushing with an electric toothbrush, will help make sure you brush for the full 2 minutes recommended.  Electric toothbrushes are also more effective (vs. a manual toothbrush).

There are many different brands that sell them. (Our office likes Phillips Sonicare and Burst sonic toothbrushes). Most electric toothbrushes come with multiple brush-heads with markers that help you determine whose is whose so you can share the handle with others in your household if need be. 

    -The prices vary for electric toothbrushes. Sonicare makes fancier ones, but can range in price anywhere from $150-$200+.

    -The Burst sonic toothbrush ranges from $40-$70 if purchased with a discount code from a Burst Ambassador

If you are interested in a Burst sonic toothbrush, visit BURST Oral Care | BURST Sonic Toothbrush & BURST Subscription. With our promo code, buyers can get up to 40% off of products. Just make sure to type in the code before completing the purchase. They also do a subscription program where you can get brush-heads shipped to your house every 1-3 months (depending on your choice). As long as they are subscribed to get brush-heads their toothbrush is under warranty. They sell other stuff as well (toothpaste, floss and whitening strips).

Promo Code- IWZXIG

We look forward to seeing all of our patients when this is through. Until then, follow these guidelines for optimal oral health, and if you are experiencing any pain contact our office at (508) 822-9387. Stay safe and healthy!

508-822-9387

Book your Appointment Today!