Due to COVID-19, businesses all over the country have closed down. Restaurants, concert venues, hair salons, and more have shut their doors to customers. You might be wondering how exactly this virus has affected your dentist’s office. As it stands, your dentist in Portland is effectively closed, only treating patients who call with a dental emergency. Essentially, this means that all non-emergency dental treatments are being postponed until further notice. This includes your regular cleanings. If you’re particularly prone to cavities, you might be worried about your oral health during this time. Fortunately, we have written this guide with a few tips on how to keep your mouth healthy until your dentist opens back up.
Use the Proper Brushing Technique
Some people mistakenly believe that a quick swipe of their brush over their teeth is enough to remove plaque and leftover food particle. That is not the case. Instead, hold your brush at a 45-degree angle to the gums and use several short strokes across your teeth. Spend 30 seconds on each quadrant of your mouth for a more efficient clean. Lastly, don’t apply too much pressure when brushing. Cleaning your teeth too forcefully could actually irritate your gums and wear down your enamel, leading to tooth sensitivity.
Replace Your Brush Every Three Months
The bristles of your toothbrush deteriorate with age and use. Three months is about how long they can be expected to sufficiently do their job. Using a brush past that point won’t deliver the kind of clean your pearly whites deserve. Also, get a new toothbrush after you have been sick. If you don’t, the germs still present on your brush bristles could get you sick all over again.
Remember to Floss
In a perfect world, everyone would floss after every meal and snack. But because the world isn’t perfect, it’s usually enough to floss every night before bed. Set a reminder on your phone to remember to engage in this habit every evening. Better yet, set down your container of floss next to your toothbrush to help you remember.
Rinse with Mouthwash
Rinsing with mouthwash can clean out areas of your mouth that your toothbrush and floss just can’t reach. For an extra boost of protection against cavities, buy a mouthwash that contains fluoride. This naturally occurring mineral is likely already in your toothpaste. Exposing your teeth to a little more fluoride can strengthen your enamel and protect against tooth decay.
Sticking to these tips can help significantly decrease your risk of getting cavities until your dentist in Portland opens their doors for checkups and cleanings again.
About the Author
Dr. Megan McInnis earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Texas A&M Health Science Center Baylor College of Dentistry in Dallas, TX. She maintains active memberships in both the American Dental Association and the Oregon Dental Association. She is passionate about delivering conservative, quality treatment. While her Portland practice is closed for cleanings and other non-emergency procedures, you can still contact her office at (503) 761-1414.