Dental Care & COVID-19
It is likely that the corona virus will have an effect on your dental care. With routine check-ups being cancelled, and ongoing treatment plans disrupted. We’re here to help you with certain dental problems that you might be facing at the moment.
It is important to keep your oral health stable, following tips may help you prevent a dental emergency.
Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds before and after any personal dental care.
Brush twice a day, in a systematic manner, cleaning all the hard-to-reach spots as well. Remember brushing too hard or aggressively does no good to your teeth. While brushing, the technique is of utmost importance.
Clean between your teeth at least once a day using a dental floss or an inter-dental brush, anything stuck between your teeth irritates your gums and can also lead to unseen cavities.
Rinsing with lukewarm salt water or an anti-microbial mouthwash ( dilute only if required) for 1 minute, about thirty minutes after having food.
Eat a well-balanced diet. Avoid food that is sticky, chewy (caramel, candies), sugary snacks like cookies. Limit sugary drinks and your frequency of eating snacks ( in between meals).
Avoid smoking or chewing tobacco.
Stay hydrated, drink water throughout the day to keep your mouth wet, as dry mouth makes it easier for bacteria to grow leading to cavities and gum disease.
what dental health problems may require an urgent care or treatment?
Most non-urgent dental situations described here can be managed at home, though if required call your usual dental practice for further advice.
Bleeding gums, because of deposits around the gum line.
Broken, chipped or lost fillings not causing any pain.
Rubbing or loose dentures.
Loose crown, bridge and veneers, just inform your dentist about it, so they can schedule an appointment for you when possible.
Chipped teeth with no pain.
Routine dental cleaning that can be postponed.
In case of a urgent dental situation like the following, call your usual dental practice for advice first.
Significant dental pain or toothache causing disturbed sleep and eating problems, associated with swelling or fever that cannot be managed with painkillers.
Dental trauma with tooth being knocked out of the socket causing bleeding.
Tooth fracture resulting in pain or causing injury to soft tissues of the mouth.
Wisdom tooth pain with limited mouth opening and injury to the soft tissue covering/ surrounding the wisdom tooth.
Dental treatment required prior to critical medical procedures.
Final crown / bridge cementation if the temporary restoration is broken or causing irritation to the gums.
Snipping or adjusting loose wire of braces that hurts your cheeks and gums.
After surgery treatment, for a dressing change, stitch removal.
In case of following emergency situations, don't try managing them by taking your usual painkillers or antibiotics, call your dentist immediately.
Uncontrolled bleeding.
facial swelling affecting vision or breathing, preventing mouth opening more than two fingers width.
trauma involving facial bones, causing loss of consciousness, double vision or vomiting.