Though you may not be able to see your dentist for a regular checkup because of the COVID-19 pandemic, that doesn’t mean you should stop practicing good oral hygiene.
Non-emergency dental visits, as well as other non-emergency surgery procedures and medical visits, are on hold until April 27, following an executive order issued by Gov. Tate Reeves.
The order was made to help conserve critical health care resources such as personal protective equipment and ventilators as well as personnel for health care workers battling the pandemic.
When it comes to good dental hygiene, the best practices are the basic ones, which means brushing twice a day and flossing regularly, said dental hygienist Rachel Mitchell and dentist Dr. Todd Fincher.
Mitchell, who works at Family Dental Associates, suggested brushing teeth for at least two minutes. She said electric toothbrushes are recommended but require slower brushing. Manual toothbrushes are also acceptable.
Mitchell also said it’s important to continue flossing at least once a week, even if you may be afraid to touch your face in order to avoid contracting COVID-19.
If you properly wash your hands before and after flossing, you’ll be fine, she said.
“Don’t stop flossing your teeth!” she emphasized.
Diet is also important to dental hygiene, Fincher and Mitchell said.
Fincher recommended limiting intake of sugar and processed foods as much as possible. Consuming more sugar can lead to inflammation in the body.
“That will do more for you than any other one thing I can think of,” he said. “I’m a huge proponent of nutrition. That’s something anybody can improve with very little effort.”
Being sequestered at home, especially with kids, can mean more access to food, such as candy, Mitchell said. Still, it’s important to avoid foods with lots of sugar, which includes sports drinks, she said.
To avoid a dry mouth, which can result in tooth decay, Mitchell said to drink water.
“Your health of your mouth affects your overall health,” she said.
For example, gum disease, a common mouth infection that can lead to the loss of teeth, can be avoided with good oral hygiene.
Fincher, who’s been seeing patients on an emergency basis, said with a laugh, “I’d like to get back to work.”
Whenever patients can see their dentists for non-emergency visits, Fincher said patients shouldn’t fear catching something in any of the town’s dental clinics.
“On normal days, our offices are some of the cleanest. After this, they should be even cleaner,” he said. “People should not be afraid for routine checkups.”
• Contact Gerard Edic at 581-7239 or gedic@gwcommonwealth.com.
