COVID 19 and your dental health in Clearwater, FLAn entire nation has seen their way of life change seemingly overnight. Things that they took for granted, like going out to parties or restaurants, even just mingling with friends, has changed. It’s hard to know exactly what is around the corner or if there will be a return to any kind of normalcy in the near future. There are basic needs that you will have to tend to… like eating,drinking, making sure you get enough sleep… and also taking care of your teeth and gums, since dental offices are largely still closed save for dental emergencies.

You need to stay on top of what’s going on in Florida so that you will be prepared. There are many resources that are available to all residents of your state. These will show you things that you can do for both your everyday health as well as your oral health.

It’s important to go to sites that you know will post trustworthy advice and also post timely updates about what is available to you during everyday life.

Patient Resources

The Florida Dental Board – This should be high on your list of sites to go to learn about COVID-19. While it is geared toward dentists, there’s information that patients can use.

Florida Dental Association – Here is another site that should be high on your bookmark list. It can tell you specific Coronavirus regulations and you can learn about dentistry, too.

Florida Health Department  –  When it comes to getting the most information about COVID-19. It has sanitary practices along with advice on how to best protect yourself from this virus.

Florida COVID-19 Site –  If you’re still curious about Coronavirus, this is a one-stop place for you to do research. It tells you how to prepare and how to “Flatten the Curve.” Regularly check this site.

American Dental Association  –  The ADA does far more than just give a seal of approval for toothpastes, toothbrushes, mouthwashes, and other dental items. It’s the main regulatory arm for American Dentists and this site can help both dentists and patients alike.

Center for Disease Control – When it comes to finding information about Coronavirus and other diseases, this should be high on your bookmark list.

Home Care

Being proactive is the key here. Do all your research… and then continue a good oral hygiene routine. Yes, it can be hard to tell what day it actually is sometimes when you’ve been inside so much. Your teeth and gums don’t care that there is a pandemic going on outside – they still need maintenance and a failure to do so can lead to a dental emergency. While that may get you into the dentist’s office, it will be more expensive than just having your teeth cleaned.

  • Brush Your Teeth – You need to be sticking to the twice-daily schedule of brushing for two minutes at a time. Use an electric toothbrush, if possible, since it takes away a lot of the work. Ensure that there is a strong battery in there. Do each quadrant for 30 seconds at a time. That’s four minutes a day. You can spare that.
  • Floss Daily – People tended to ignore this even before quarantining. It’s really in your best interest to do this, since you get rid of food particles that are between your teeth. Do this at night before you go to bed. Watch to make sure that you don’t floss too hard, it can cut too deep. There may be some blood if you haven’t done this in a while. That will stop if you regularly do it.Use any kind that works for you, whether it’s waxed, unwaxed, or mint.
  • Use Mouthwash – Doing this can be very helpful in terms of getting rid of bacteria in the mouth. It has alcohol it in, so don’t try to double your dose right before going to the dentist, since it will dry your mouth out and allow even MORE bacteria.

Overall Outlook

While it may seem easy to start slacking – after all, who are you trying to impress during a quarantine? Especially if you live alone. Still, you need to boost that self-esteem. Talk to other family members. Support each other in their quest to keep healthy.  This can shine a bright light on an otherwise dark situation.

Utilize both the above resources as well as following the dental routine. It can help you know that things will get better.

The Dental Emergency Room staff has been monitoring the COVID-19 situation daily and will be opening when everything is safe. Please contact them if you have any questions.

Published By:
Dental Emergency Room
1935 Drew Street
Clearwater, Florida 33765
Columbus, OH 43205
Phone: 727-449-2424
Website: https://www.dentaler.com