With the COVID-19 pandemic affecting all of America, dental offices have been closed to normal dental checkups and cleanings. Dentistry of the Queen City is also taking this approach to help flatten the curve of the crisis. Dr. Greg Reece, a Charlotte, NC dentist, discusses what you can do at home if you have to miss your regular dental appointment.
Make Sure You Get Rescheduled
This isn’t an excuse to skip a dental appointment. It’s still crucial that you get your regular cleaning and checkup — it’ll just be a little bit later than normal. Our staff may have already reached out to you to schedule an appointment for a later date. If not, call or use our online scheduling tool. We’re ready to get you in as soon as possible!
Make an Effort for Your Oral Healthcare Routine
When our normal life routines are upended, it can be hard to keep up with even the little things. You may be adjusting to working from home, being laid off, and/or helping children with online learning and keeping occupied. Something you may consider minor, your oral healthcare routine, can fall by the wayside.
However, it’s extremely important to keep brushing and flossing at least twice daily. Getting out of the habit can easily lead to problems with tooth decay and cavities. Gum disease may become a problem as well. If you need a push, set an alarm or reminder to go off on your phone for mornings and evenings. That can remind the whole family to ensure they’re taking care of their smiles!
Keep An Eye on Your Diet
Diet can be one of the most important elements of keeping a healthy mouth. For starters, make sure you’re cutting down on the sugar. The harmful bacteria in your mouth feed off sugar and produce harmful acid as a byproduct. This acid can wear down the enamel on your teeth, leading to tooth decay.
Next, focus on drinking water instead of sugary juices and sodas. If you drink the water out of your tap, it’s most likely fortified with fluoride. This strengthens the enamel on your teeth. Water also helps rinse out your mouth and keeps it hydrated. Water is a good way to help flush those out if sugars and food particles linger after meals.
Last, eat many fresh fruits and vegetables if possible, especially those with a fibrous texture. This includes things like apples, pears, carrots, and celery. Crisp and crunchy fruits and veggies take a lot of time to chew, boosting the saliva production in your mouth. Both increased saliva and fibrous texture help clean the spaces between your teeth.
Your Dentist in Charlotte, North Carolina
We’re ready to give you the dental checkup you need, especially after the stress of the pandemic wears on your teeth. We hope to be taking on traditional appointments soon! Call us or schedule an appointment online for the future. Hopefully, we’ll be seeing you in the office shortly!