Covid-19 has wreaked havoc on our world since its onset. Most countries have implemented widespread lockdown or restricted curfews. Schools, colleges, offices, malls, etc. have been shut down and we have been instructed not to go out unless absolutely necessary.
Needless to say, majority of us are staying at home and following the social distancing norms religiously, because we are gripped with panic and paranoia. But amidst all of this our bodily issues do not just subside on their own, just because there’s a lockdown outside!
I have had numerous calls these past few months asking me for advice for various problems, but mainly dental issues.
Most people calling me up had been experiencing major teeth problems but were skeptical about visiting a dental clinic due to fear of contracting the coronavirus and had to take over-the-counter painkillers to keep their pain at bay.
How to take care of your teeth so that you would not be faced with any sort of dental emergency and you can avoid going to a dentist’s?
Here are some tips which you can follow to keep your teeth healthy and avoid any dental problems :
1. Brush, Brush and Brush…like your life depends on it
I know, I know… you already do that, why can’t I say something new?
Because brushing is of utmost importance and brushing “properly” and religiously twice a day could save you a lot of trouble. Yet it is ignored by most people who have met me.
NEVER go to sleep without brushing come what may. Some recent studies have shown that nighttime brushing is much more essential than brushing in the morning.
That’s why they say “Brush at the night for yourself and brush in the morning for others”
Each family member (especially kids) should follow the “proper” brushing technique and stringently do it twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste. You can watch videos on youtube to learn the proper technique of toothbrushing and teach it to your kids.
More importantly, you should also brush whenever you eat anything sweet or sticky which gets stuck to your teeth (like that snack you munch away, while Netflixing and chilling).
Your teeth should not retain any food in between them as that could potentially become a hub for bacteria causing cavities.
2. Limit in-between-meal snacking
I cannot emphasize this enough to my patients. But they just never listen to me!! (rolling my eyes)
Recently one of my family friends called me up to tell me that she quit snacking in between meals ever since I asked her to, a few years back, as she would always call me up with teeth problems. If she wanted to eat any sweets, she would eat it right after or before taking her lunch or dinner and never in between the meals, except for fruits. She coaxed her family to follow this regime as well and she called me happily to inform me that they all had been free of any cavities or dental troubles since years!!
That, my friends, is the power of restricting your snacking habits.
3. Flosses and Mouhthwashes..
Flossing is the most underrated oral hygiene habit that there is. You need to floss in between your teeth to take out any chunks of food stuck, which can potentially cause you problems. Flossing also helps in stimulating the gums, preventing plaque, and reducing any inflammation of gums.
Do not forget to floss under your crowns or bridges as well, if you have any. Keeping your prostheses clean should keep away any problems related to them. Also if you notice any cavity where food keeps getting stuck, try to keep it clean by flossing so that it doesn’t aggravate, causing you pain.
Flossing should be treated as important as brushing.
You can also keep your oral cavity fresh by using mouthwashes, which are generally available over-the-counter(OTC). However, I should warn you that you should not use these OTC mouthwashes for a prolonged duration as excessive usage may cause drying of your mouth.
You may also call up your dentist and ask for recommendations of mouthwashes, which they can prescribe you as per your needs.
4. There is nothing that lukewarm saline water cannot solve
I have observed a trend developing among people during this pandemic, of gargling with saline water and steam inhalation, in a bid to keep the coronavirus away. Though I cannot comment on whether this practice is helpful in warding off this infectious virus, lukewarm saline water definitely has its own applications in dental issues.
Whether you have a nagging pain in your wisdom tooth, a toothache due to dental decay, or swelling in your gums, rinse your mouth with lukewarm(not too hot) water with a pinch of salt in it, always helps relieves some of the pain or swelling. Although that may not completely cure or heal your problem, it definitely helps you sustain a little bit longer, till you can go to the dentist. This magic trick is tried and tested. Trust me!!
However, it may not work if the pain is severe and it is always advisable to consult a dental professional as soon as possible.
5. Healthy diet
A healthy diet comprising of a balance of all essential components and full of fibrous foods is important for not only a healthy mouth but also for overall well-being. Needless to say, avoiding sticky food (called cariogenic substances) like candies, chocolates, sweets, etc. is always advisable to keep dental decay at bay. It is also wise to limit refined carbohydrates contained in processed foods.
I cannot stress how important it is to incorporate fibers in your diet in the form of vegetables and (especially) fruits. They have a self-cleansing action on your teeth and help prevent plaque and sugars from sticking to your tooth surfaces. Thus helps you avoid dental decay.
So these are the magic mantras to keep your teeth hale and hearty and avoid going for a dental visit that you hate so much!!
However, you must be in touch with your dentist, even if it's through teleconsultation, to make sure you do not miss the early signs of any serious dental problems, which need to be addressed immediately. Your dentist can guide you on what to do in case of an emergency too.
