Have a toothache?
And you are thinking twice about whether to visit your dentist?
Are you looking for some Dental health tips?
True, Covid-19 has impacted dental health services all over the globe. It is time to change your habit of regular dentist visits and pay more attention to dental health tips.
The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has effectively shut down a large number of dental clinics all over the world. In the USA, approximately 198,000 active dentists and dental specialists have become unavailable for a long time. India is no exception. Dental procedures require very close interaction between patients and doctors, and this is a strict no during this pandemic.
Dental health Tips by experts:
Keeping this in mind, the Indian Dental Association has taken a decision to put dental procedures on hold during Covid times and recommended consultation from home. The inability to get routine dental care can lead to untreated and prolonged aches and infections, which may lead to chronic problems. It is good to follow dental health tips given by experts in this situation.
Not just that, if you are an unfortunate victim of a Covid infection, you also need to worry about post-Covid dental complications. Bleeding of gums is a major problem for victims of Covid as the cytokines released during Covid infection can accentuate this. Dry mouth is another very common problem for those recovering from a Covid infection. It is noticed that 30-40% of Covid recovered people show symptoms of dental problems.
Also Read: Lockdown effect on the children’s psychology
The pandemic induced lockdowns and staying at home has also made many people develop unhealthy eating habits. Some people started eating more mood-uplifting foods such as junk food, starchy foods, and sugary foods to overcome boredom and depression caused by the lockdowns. All of these lead to increased dental problems. On the other hand, good dental health also helps fight infections.
Now, let us look at some Covid19 dental health tips by dental experts across the globe.
Take care of your teeth:
The most simple and yet the most effective expert tip on dental health is brushing your teeth properly with the right techniques twice a day and regular flossing of the teeth. It is always good to brush for 2-3 minutes with a brush kept at a 45-degree angle. Keep your toothbrushes clean, keep disinfecting them by putting them in mouthwash or hot water and changing them every three to four months. One also needs to take care of what kind of toothpaste and mouthwash they use. It is better to use a hydroxyapatite toothpaste, which is less bactericidal than fluoride but rebuilds tooth enamel equally as well. You should also use medicated mouthwashes. Keep sipping water regularly as this not only keeps you hydrated but also help in removing food particles and accumulated bacteria from your teeth. Don’t forget to clean your tongue also regularly. The plaque that forms on the tongue is not good for the teeth.
Watch what you eat:
It is also important to minimize simple carbs and sweet stuff in between meals as they convert to sugar quickly in the mouth, leading to dental problems such as cavities. Be careful if you are into energy drinks. They coat the enamel of teeth with a highly acidic liquid, which will damage the teeth in the long run. Also, avoid taking very hot or very cold food as this can damage the enamel on the teeth. Smoking or chewing tobacco leads to bad breath and tooth decay and is best avoided. Not everything is a no. Eating crunchy fruits and vegetables is good not only for your body but also for your teeth.
In times of unwanted Dental problems:
If unfortunately, you develop a dental problem, it will be a tough call to take on what to do. Normal toothaches can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. You can also try home remedies such as cloves, clove oil, thyme or cold compresses. You can also consult your dentist over the phone or online if needed. However, if the dental problems are not minor, such as cavities, it will be necessary to visit a dentist and get treated. In that case, plan carefully with your dentist on the timing and treatment.
In the end, as the old adage goes, prevention is better than cure – so follow the dental health tips. Stay healthy and stay safe!
