Keeping Your Teeth Healthy During Covid-19

Your dental health needs are an important aspect of your overall wellness, and this includes during the COVID-19 pandemic. This may also be a good time to make sure you have good oral hygiene habits in place. While these habits won’t guard against the virus, they can help lower your risk for other problems. 

Swinney Dental and our team of dentists are pleased to be providing dental care at our office in Tyler, Texas, during this challenging time. 

Positive tooth-brushing habits

Aim to brush your teeth twice a day using a soft-bristled brush that allows you to reach all areas of your mouth easily. Hold your brush at a 45-degree angle, toward your gums, then gently move your brush back and forth. Move the brush up and down, too, tilting it vertically to clean the surfaces. You can use these same techniques with a manual or electric brush. Once you’ve had a toothbrush or electric toothbrush head for about three months, replace it.

Particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, do not share a toothbrush with anyone you live with. Doing so can easily spread viruses and blood-borne diseases. Store your toothbrush apart, to prevent confusion.

Flossing diligently

Flossing daily is another positive habit to keep up or start during the pandemic to ensure excellent oral health. To do so properly, cut about 18 inches of floss and wind the ends around your middle fingers. Holding the floss taut, place it between your teeth then glide it down to curve with the sides of your teeth to just below the gum line. Importantly, do not reuse floss. Used floss can easily redistribute and collect new bacteria throughout your mouth.

Keeping your bathroom clean

Keeping surfaces in your home clean is an important part of safe living amid the COVID-19 pandemic and the bathroom is no exception. In fact, your bathroom cleanliness may be especially important, given that it holds intimate items, such as towels, and contains multiple high-touch surfaces that can hold viruses, such as toilets, sinks, and countertops.

To disinfect surfaces, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends using soap and water. Then use a household disinfectant, ideally one with an EPA-registered icon. Follow the product’s instructions, which may include precautions like wearing gloves or having enough ventilation during use. If you don’t have a commercial disinfectant, you can mix 4 teaspoons of bleach per quart of water to make your own.

See your dentist, as needed

If you have a dental issue or emergency, you can get the care you need during the COVID-19 pandemic. Doing so earlier than later can help prevent symptoms from worsening or other complications. If you have any questions during this challenging time call Swinney Dental, and someone from our staff can help.

To learn more or schedule an appointment, call our office or use our online booking feature.