Due to COVID-19, many dental offices, such as ours, were temporarily closed to everything but emergency dental services. This means that other appointments or procedures were canceled or postponed. But what happens if you had one of those scheduled appointments? Our dentists in Manhattan, Kansas have some recommendations.
Get Your Appointment Rescheduled
Just because it isn’t considered an immediate dental emergency doesn’t mean it’s not important. For example, family dentistry is crucial for making sure the oral health of every member of the family is on track. It’s still essential to keeping your teeth healthy. We may have already reached out to get your appointment rescheduled. If not, call us or use our online scheduling tool to set something up.
Keep Up A Home Oral Healthcare Routine
Making sure you’re consistently taking care of your oral health at home is important. We know it may have been harder during this time. Your whole life and routine may have been upended due to the pandemic. You’ve been adjusting to working from home or helping your kids with online learning. Things that may seem small, like brushing and flossing twice a day, may have been forgotten.
However, if you don’t want problems with tooth decay and gum disease, it’s essential to have a regular brushing and flossing routine. Set an alarm or reminder on your phone for mornings and evenings to get two a day in. This can help remind the rest of your household as well. It doesn’t hurt to brush and floss more often, either. If it helps you to remember, brush and floss after every meal.
Watch What You’re Consuming
Your diet may impact your oral health more than you think. It’s not completely feasible to eat a perfectly healthy diet right now. Many grocery stores still have limited hours and are having trouble keeping the shelves fully stocked. We’re also turning to comfort food during the ongoing crisis, which isn’t the healthiest. But there are some simple things you can do with your diet to benefit your oral health.
First, try to avoid consuming too much sugar. Sugar is one of the worst things for your teeth. Harmful oral bacteria use it as their main food source and then emit an acidic byproduct. This byproduct eats through the enamel on your teeth, leading to the need for things like dental fillings or a root canal. The more sugar you’re consuming, the more that byproduct is being released in your mouth.
Also, make sure you’re drinking a lot of water. It doesn’t contain harmful sugars or additives like other drinks can. If you’re drinking tap water, there’s also a good chance it’s fortified with fluoride to strengthen your dental enamel. Even if it isn’t, it’s still the best beverage to keep your mouth hydrated. This helps rinse away food particles and sugars from your smile.
Your Manhattan Dentists
We’re here to make sure the stress of the pandemic hasn’t impacted your smile. Call us or schedule an appointment online!
At Bowen Family Dentistry, you will find trusted dental care and our friendly team of Manhattan cosmetic dental professionals. Our menu of services includes: dental implants, porcelain veneers, and Invisalign. Contact Manhattan KS Dentist, Bowen Family Dentistry today at (785) 789-4468 to schedule an informative consultation.