During COVID 19 lockdown, we have received quite a few calls concerning with bleeding gum, broken fillings, or sore teeth.
Here are 6 tips on how to maintain OPTIMAL oral health during this period to hopefully prevent you from running into troubles.
We Are Open to see emergency patient and we will try our best to help.
If you have some concerns but not sure if it is considered emergency, give us a call on 5282 5272. We will answer your concerns and get you on our priority contact list when things start to return to normal.
Tip 1. Regular brushing and flossing
You might be isolating at home and taking a break from going into work. But do not take a break from brushing and flossing your teeth, even for a single day.
We received a few phone calls about gum bleeding and gum pain, this could be due to plaque induced gingivitis or gum disease.
You should brush and floss twice a day and use mouthrinse every now and then.
You could even add an extra brushing session during the day after a heavy meal or high sugar intake, or at least rinse your mouth with water.
If brushing your teeth feels like a chore. It might be a good idea to add an electric toothbrush on your online shopping list. It is proven to be more effective in brushing teeth. It is also more fun!
Tip 2. Enjoy Sweets in moderation!!!
Go easy on the chocolates!
You can have them, but don’t go overboard.
Research shows that sweats during mealtime has less risks of causing extensive dental decays than having sweats regularly in between meals.
If you indulge in sugary food, avoid frequent snacking. It is best to consume sweets during mealtimes, as your mouth will produce more saliva to neutralize excess sugar.
Tip 3. Avoid chewing hard foods.
Sweats sometime could help if you are feeling depressed. If you crave for treat, it is best to choose soft variety. You will be surprised by how many visits we get from patients after they are chewing into hard sweats.
Candy canes, nuts, toffee apples, dried fruits and more!
On a similar note, teeth are not designed to open beer bottles.
If accident occurs, it is recommended to see your dentist as soon as possible.
We are open so that you could have your emergency problem attended to without delay.
Tip 4. Be mindful about consuming acidic foods and drinks
Lemons, red wines, juices, soda, pickles and soft drinks. They all contain acidic ingredients which could soften your tooth enamel, causing sensitivities or dental decays if you are not careful.
It is a good idea to drink acidic drinks through a straw.
Do not brush your teeth straight after eating or drinks acidic product. Wait about 30mins before brushing so that you do not risk brushing away weakened tooth structure.
Milk and cheese are examples of good foods to restore acid balance and keep teeth healthy.
Tip 5. Go easy on alcohols and avoid cigarettes.
Excessive alcohol intake and tobacco products increased risk of developing oral cancer.
Smoking is also one of the major modifiable risk factors in causing severe gum disease.
Enjoy a drink or two, but don’t get carried away.
It might be a good time to quit smoking! Both cigarettes and coronavirus attack hard at your lungs.
Tip 6. Visit your dentist after pandemic
Prevention is the key. It is always easier and cheaper to treat dental problems early.
Existing dental problems or small cavities tend to deteriorate much quicker if subjected to further acidic or sugary challenge.
It is a good idea to get your teeth checked and protected after this season.
If you have some concerns but not sure if it is considered emergency, give us a call on 5282 5272.
We will answer your concerns and get you on our priority contact list when things start to return to normal.