Keep Teeth and Gums Healthy during COVID-19

• Wash your hands  (at least 20 seconds before and after any personal dental care) Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Brush at least twice a day. Brush all of your teeth.  Take your time while brushing (Spend at least 2 or 3 minutes each time you brush. If you have trouble keeping track of the time, use a timer or play a recording of a song you like to help pass the time)
• After brushing, rinse toothbrush well so that all residue comes off, shake to remove excess water, and store it upright in a cup or holder so that it’s not touching any other toothbrushes
• Change your toothbrush regularly (at least every 3 months)
• NEVER Share toothbrush
• Brush your tongue to help keep your breath fresh!
• Be sure your toothbrush has soft bristles
• Ask your dentist if an antibacterial mouth rinse is right for you.
• Floss your teeth (Floss gets rid of food that’s hidden where your toothbrush can’t get it, no matter how well you brush.)
• It’s not just Brushing and Flossing that keeps your teeth healthy — you also need to be careful about what you eat and drink. Remember, the plaque on your teeth is just waiting for that sugar to arrive. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables and drink water instead of soda. Limit frequency of snacking (Frequent Snacking Increases your risk of Cavities). Limit sugary drinks (Soda and Fruit Juices can harm tooth surfaces).
• If you have Removable Denture(s), keep your Dentures clean and free from food that can cause stains or bad breath. Avoid small crunchy foods that can get trapped under the dentures and hurt your gums. Brush dentures every day with a denture-care product, and soak them in water or a denture-cleansing liquid at night. Be sure to leave them out of your mouth while you sleep to prevent swollen gums.
• If you have Fixed Denture(s) (crowns and bridges), Oral irrigators (direct a stream of water to remove particles of food from around and between the teeth) are useful for cleaning hard-to-reach areas and may help reduce gingivitis. Using an oral irrigator is NOT a substitute for daily brushing and flossing.
• AVOID Dental complications. DO NOT patronize DIY (do-it-yourself) products, Illegal/FAKE practitioners.  ALWAYS get information from your Dentist or reliable sources.

It’s important to visit the dentist at least twice a year. Besides checking for signs of cavities or gum disease, the dentist will help keep your teeth extra clean and can help you learn the best way to brush and floss. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic you need to take charge of your teeth for now.

For emergency dental appointments, you must call in advance and expect a phone screening for COVID-19 symptoms and risk factors prior to visit.

Be Patient. Stay Home. Stay Safe.

#fightcovid19

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