How to Keep Your Mouth Healthy Until Your Dentist Reopens

Most dental offices are open for emergency treatment when necessary, however regular cleaning and checkups are being postponed until a better time. If you’re someone who is always on top of your regular visits for you and your family, you may have some concerns over not knowing when you will be able to reschedule your appointment. Here’s why your dental office has temporarily closed and some tips for maintaining good oral hygiene in Jacksonville until they open again.

Why Are Dentists Closed?

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, both federal and state leaders are taking action to prevent the spread of the virus. They are doing this through national and state mandates. In order to lower the curve of COVID-19 cases, it’s important to take steps like staying home, practicing social distancing, and postponing all non-urgent appointments until a later time when the conditions are safer.  For the sake of our healthcare workers and first responders, reducing the spread of the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 is crucial.

How Can I Maintain a Healthy Smile Until My Dentist Reopens?

Since regular dental visits aren’t an option at the moment, it’s important to be extra diligent about your oral hygiene so you don’t suffer from future consequences or encounter a dental emergency. Here are some tips to maintain your smile:

• Use Proper Brushing Technique: A quick, twenty second scrub isn’t good enough for optimal dental health. Be sure that you begin brushing at a 45-degree angle to your gums and use short back and forth motions. Don’t forget to brush vertically to clean the back of your teeth as well.

• Use the Right Brush: You want a brush that is able to clean all of the hard to reach places in your mouth. You should be using a soft bristled toothbrush to remove plaque without risking damage to your enamel or soft tissues in your mouth.

• Floss Regularly: Use a piece of floss up to 18 inches long so you can use a fresh area of floss after every tooth without reinserting bacteria back into your mouth.

• Choose an ADA Approved Toothpaste: To have the best possible clean, look for a toothpaste that has the ADA Seal of Acceptance. This guarantees that the product is safe and effective at cleaning your teeth.

• Use Mouthwash: Mouthwash can go places that toothbrushes and floss cannot. This helps to get rid of the debris and bacteria that causes gingivitis. This is great if you are on the go and don’t have time to brush your teeth.

• Clean Your Tongue: Your teeth aren’t the only part of your mouth that collects bacteria. Your tongue should also be cleaned whenever you brush your teeth. You could either brush it with your toothbrush after brushing your teeth or get a tongue scraper from your local drug store. It will help with both getting rid of bacteria and freshening your breath.

During this time, be sure that you are being thorough with your oral hygiene routine. This way, you can prevent dental issues while the office is temporarily closed.

About the Author

Dr. Sol G. Brotman earned his dental doctorate from the University of Maryland Dental School and he is a Master in the Academy of General Dentistry. His honors include Fellowship in the American College of Dentists, International College of Dentists, Academy of Dentistry International, and several more. For more information on proper oral care or if you have any questions, visit Dr. Brotman’s website or call (904) 396-4091.