Oral Health Tips During Self-Isolation

As our lives have changed so significantly in a way that we never imagined in our lifetime due to the worldwide CORONAVIRUS pandemic, sometimes it feels like our days are just passing us by. Whether you are still working at your usual workplace, or now working from home while also keeping up with online learning for your school-aged kids, our lives have been turned upside down!

Other than going out for essential travel,  we would’ve all gotten into quarantine/self-isolation mode by now. I am guessing that our intake of food, alcohol and sweets have also increased. AM I RIGHT?  I think we are all guilty one way or another…. Because of this, our sugar intake have likely increased too.  All the more reason why we need to look after our pearly whites during this self isolation season.

It is not really the amount of sugar in the food or drink we take that is the problem for our teeth (it IS a problem for our waistlines though, so keep that in mind!), but it is how long it stays in our mouth that matters. Sugar combined with natural bacteria in the mouth forms acid that can soften the enamel of the tooth and eventually start tooth decay. A lot of people forget to brush their teeth before going to bed after a night of drinking. One night of not brushing may not have a significant effect on the teeth, but repeated missed brushing will certainly have an impact on your oral health. This is more important now that ever when we are stuck at home and might forget normal oral health habits!

1. Brush your teeth three times a day (2 minutes every session) – This will surely help reduce dental plaque in your mouth
2. Use floss or interdental brush once a day – Flossing reduces dental plaque between your teeth
3. Avoid binge-eating sweets – If you must, the right time to eat or drink sweets is during meal times when we produce more saliva. Saliva helps neutralize acids produced by bacteria.
4. Chew sugar-free gum – This promotes more saliva in the mouth and neutralizes acid in the mouth (remember?).
5. Go power brushing! Cleaning with a power toothbrush is more thorough, resulting in removing more dental plaque. Remember…less dental plaque = less decay = less tooth decay = no pain and healthy gums!
   

So while we do all we can to help flatten the curve and keep ourselves safe by following government directives and practising all recommended precautionary measures, please do not neglect maintaining your oral health. As of time of writing, dental services are under Level 3 Restrictions, therefore we your dentists in Erina will not be able to provide routine check-up and cleans at the moment (until further notice!). We trust that you will take care or yourselves during these trying times. We are however available for any dental emergencies should something unexpected happen. Just contact us as we remain open 3 days a week to provide emergency dental treatments here on the Central Coast.

While we are apart from you, do keep well and stay safe! 

Article by Dr Rouel Vergara DMD

Dr Rouel Vergara DMD – Principal Dentist & Director New Leaf Dentists.

Rouel obtained his Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) from the University of the East in 1998. He holds a Certificate in Training and Assessment from Macquarie College in Sydney.

He is a member of the Australian Dental Association (ADA and ADA NSW), a committee member of ADA NSW & a mentor for the ADA NSW Professional Transitional Support Mentoring Program.