With COVID-19 ravaging many lives and cities, most dental practices have suspended care for non-emergency dental situations. This decision is vital to limit people?s exposure to COVID-19. However, you can still visit the clinic if you have an emergency dental issue that requires urgent care.
Most dental clinics are available to receive calls and attend to different dental needs. You can discuss your situation with the dentist at a St Albans dental practice to help them determine whether you need to visit the dental clinic for care.??
Some dental issues that may require urgent care at the clinic include the following.
- A knocked-out tooth
- Persistent bleeding
- A severe infection or a tooth abscess
- A jaw or dental pain that over-the-counter pain medication cannot manage
- Face or mouth injury
Ensure you call the best dentist St Albans immediately if you experience any dental emergencies that need immediate care.??
Caring for your teeth during COVID-19 to prevent dental emergencies
Your dental health should be a priority even during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although you can only visit the clinic for emergency dental care, you can take certain steps to avoid situations that require immediate dental care and maintain your dental health.
These steps include the following.
Maintain a good oral hygiene routine
Ensure you brush your teeth a minimum of twice daily, preferably when you wake up in the morning and before going to bed. While brushing, ensure each session lasts for about two minutes to give you enough time to brush all your teeth surfaces.
- Pro tip ? opt for electric toothbrushes as they have built-in timers. If you have a manual toothbrush, use a small timer or your smartphone to time yourself.
Replace your toothbrush often
Most people do not remember to change their toothbrushes, but it is important to change yours every 2 ? 3 months, or more often when you notice the toothbrush looks worn out or frayed. A worn-out toothbrush cannot clean your teeth properly, and it increases your risk of having dental issues like tooth decay in the long run.
Floss
Flossing your teeth helps to remove food particles and plaques between the teeth. Although dental floss is a simple and more traditional option for cleaning between the teeth, you can use soft picks or interdental brushes.
If you do not floss, about one-third of your tooth surfaces will remain dirty, increasing your risk of gum disease and tooth decay. If cleaning between your teeth proves difficult, consult your dentist to get advice to make the cleaning easier.
Reduce your daily sugar consumption
Frequent consumption of sugary foods increases acidity in your mouth. The acid attacks your enamel, making it weak and causing cavities. Try limiting your sugar intake, and if you want to take sweet foods, take them alongside your main meal. This helps to reduce the time your mouth is exposed to acid, reducing the risk of damage to your enamel.
Stay hydrated
A high intake of water helps in saliva production, which helps to maintain your oral health. Saliva production is necessary because saliva acts as a protective fluid, maintains a neutral pH and washes away lingering food particles, bacteria and old skin cells. Your saliva also contains minerals that reduce the risk of tooth decay and protects the teeth.
For any dental emergency, feel free to contact St Albans Dental Clinic for dental care. You can also contact us if you need an NHS dentist St Albans.?
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