Maintaining Your Dental Health in These Times
Maintaining Your Dental Health in These Times.
The coronavirus is upon us and has affected all areas of our life including our dental health. With all dental offices unable to see patients due to federal and state mandates, your dental health is more important now than ever. There are some things you can do at home that will help you prevent problems until you are unable to return to your dentist.
Dentists can take care of dental pain, swelling and bleeding, but because they are not currently permitted to perform routine cleanings, your home care is essential. Good dental health will prevent infections that could lead you to a greater susceptibility to the virus.
Brushing your teeth is critical to oral health. Whether you use a manual toothbrush or an electric one, the bristles only clean the areas that they touch. Slow down and spend at least two minutes to clean with a brush. That’s how long it will take to clean all the exposed surfaces of your teeth. Another thing is to use a soft touch. Scrubbing your teeth is only going to damage your tooth surface. You are trying to remove the sticky gelatinous plaque—it takes a soft touch only!
Now you are ready for dental floss. Whether you floss before or after brushing, the movement against the tooth removes the bugs. By making a “C” shape as you move the floss up and down on the tooth, you will remove the plaque. Hard deposits called tartar (or calculus), can’t be removed with floss, and you will need our help to remove those after things return to normal. For now, just do your best.
Removing the plaque protects not only the visible enamel but promotes gum health as you gently massage the tissues. Flossing loosens food and removes plaque from the areas in between and behind the teeth and is equally important to your overall dental health.
Mouthwashes can help to remove food debris and freshen breath, but don’t really remove the plaque that causes decay and gum disease. It is a nice follow up to good homecare, but doesn’t do much by itself. Fluoride rinses like ACT or Fluorogard are effective at preventing cavities between the teeth.
Water picks are likewise effective to loosen food particles, but they don’t remove plaque. Toothbrushing is the only way.
Not only does brushing and flossing prevent decay and gum disease it decreases inflammation of the gums. Inflammation is associated with whole body disease like heart attacks and strokes, and can make you more susceptible to infections, including coronavirus.
During these times, your dental care is still important. At Avon Dental Care, we are committed to keeping you healthy now and in the future.
If you have pain or swelling or bleeding, the dental board is allowing us to see you for emergencies. We can get you comfortable and plan more definitive care later.
Call us if you are in pain. We will be sure to contact you as soon as we can return to a normal schedule. We are all in this together, and we can help. If you need advice or information, call us at 440-937-2273. You are our top priority. Stay safe and healthy.
How to Care for a Child After Wisdom Teeth Removal
Wisdom teeth extractions are needed when a child’s teeth are impacted, decayed, or keep braces from being installed. Before and during the surgery, the dentist makes sure your teen is comfortable. The information below should assist you in providing care at home while your child’s mouth heals.
5 WISDOM TEETH EXTRACTION CARE TIPS FOR YOUR CHILD
1. APPLY PRESSURE WITH GAUZE PAD
To help reduce the bleeding, have your child bite down gently on the gauze pad the dentist places over the extraction area. Every 45 to 60 minutes, apply pressure constantly. Use a new pad if necessary or apply a moist tea bag, which contains tannic acid, a substance that causes blood vessels to contract and slows bleeding.
2. USE ICE PACKS
Elevate your child’s head and apply an ice pack outside on the face over the wisdom teeth extraction area. These steps help minimize swelling and encourage blood clotting, a vital part of the healing process.
3. PROVIDE LOTS OF WATER
Drinking six glasses or more of water gives the body vital fluids it needs for healing. Do not give your child a straw, because sucking will pull the clot loose. The clot must stay anchored to protect the wound.
4. KEEP THEM RELAXED
Your child should do calming activities, such as sitting quietly and reading, watching a movie, or listening to music. Hold off on sports activities until a clot and a scab develop to cover the surgical location.
5. SERVE SOFT FOODS
To help your child stay strong and heal quickly, serve soft, high-protein, high-calorie foods for each meal. Soft-scrambled eggs, smooth applesauce, soups, mashed bananas, and Greek yogurt are good choices. Rinse the mouth with saltwater after every meal, at least five times daily.If your child needs wisdom teeth extractions, turn to Avon Dental Care in Avon, OH. This trusted dental office cares for patients throughout Lorain County, providing skilled and compassionate general dentistry. Children and adults receive services, including tooth extractions, dental implants, and TMJ treatments in a friendly and professional environment. To learn more about what these dentists can do for you, visit them online or call 440-937-2273.