Show Your Teeth Some Respect

Keep Your Dental Health Safe During The COVID-19 Outbreak

7 May 2020 by April Myers

Everyone is trying to do their part during this time. Never before have so many people become so interested in making sure that everything is safe and sanitized. To find out how to handle your dental health during this unprecedented time, read on.

How to Disinfect and Care For Your Toothbrush

1. To keep your toothbrush free of disease-causing germs, make it a habit to disinfect it every few days or so. To do so, measure 1 fluid ounce of hydrogen peroxide with 5 fluid ounces of distilled water. Let your toothbrush soak for about 10 minutes and then immediately discard the water. Thoroughly rinse your toothbrush with warm water to remove the disinfecting wash.
2. Before brushing, wash your hands with warm soapy water. Do the same thing after brushing.
3. Avoid touching your teeth or mouth with your hands at all times.
4. Never share your toothbrush with others, even if they are close to you. Toothbrushes can collect saliva and traces of blood and then spread those body fluids to others. Keep your brush in a cabinet, drawer, or in a case rather than leaving it by the sink. Don't store your toothbrush touching another toothbrush.
5. If you normally get teeth-whitening treatments at your dentist, call and ask if you can pick up a home kit and do it yourself. Alternately, whitening treatment options are widely available online. Be sure you follow the directions — many kits contain peroxide or bleach products than can be dangerous if misused.

Postponing Dental Visits

1. Unfortunately, many dental offices are either closed or only seeing patients on an emergency basis. That doesn't mean slacking off on at-home care, though. It's more important than ever to brush, floss, and use mouth rinses on a daily basis.
2. Dental offices will eventually reopen, and when they do, it may be difficult to be seen. Phone your dental office and ask if you can make an appointment for a month or so in the future. Even if you end up postponing the appointment, you'll have a spot reserved for your regular cleaning and check-up.
3. Some people should postpone seeing the dentist even if the office is open and doing business. If you are over the age of 60 or so, are showing signs of the COVID-19 virus, or have a compromised immunity to germs and viruses, be careful about exposing yourself to the virus. Staying home and staying safe is more important than a dental visit (unless you have an emergency like the ones below).
4. Some dental emergencies call for immediate help. If you cannot be seen by a dentist, go to an urgent care or emergency room if you have a gum abscess, a knocked-out tooth, badly bleeding gums, or extreme pain in a tooth.

Talk to a dentist near you to learn more.