The COVID-19 pandemic affects many businesses, including dental offices, due to the nature of our work that causes us to be close in contact with patients. The first and most important value in our office is patient safety and we understand your hesitancy to acquire dental treatment during this time. Although we have new safety precautions in place such as plastic barriers at the reception desk, an air purifier that filters out small viruses and bacteria, and taking temperature, oxygenation levels, and proving hand sanitizer upon entry, our wish is for you to feel not only safe but confident when returning to our office.

Our goal during this pandemic is to continue to provide excellent dental care for all patients, which includes online information that patients can refer to for home care. Below are some general tips and key information to prevent gum disease and maintain good oral health.

Stay safe and we hope this information will benefit you during this time and beyond.

 

Oral Hygiene Tips

• Brush your teeth twice a day: Brush once in the morning and again in the evening.
• Floss at least once a day:  Flossing is a major factor in preventing gum disease!
• Rinse your mouth out with water after eating: This prevents food from being stuck on your teeth for long periods that can cause cavities and gingivitis.
• Rinse your mouth out with water after acidic foods/beverages: Acidic foods (li hing mui, citrus fruits, etc.) and acidic beverages (soda, coffee, tea, wine, etc.) cause erosion of the enamel that weakens your teeth and makes it susceptible to cavities and fracturing. Always rinse your mouth out with water and do not brush your teeth until 20-30 minutes after (brushing your teeth immediately after acidic foods/beverages can cause further erosion/abrasion!).
• Avoid too much sugar intake: Sugar is the food source for cavity-causing bacteria (S. mutans). Always rinse your mouth out with water after consuming sugary foods/beverages.

 

Following these simple guidelines will help to reduce the amount of plaque and tartar build-up that causes gum disease. Not only does good oral hygiene improve oral health but overall health such as diet and exercise also play an important role. Below are some general health tips to keep both body and oral cavity in good shape.

 

General Health Information

• Stay hydrated! Our body is made up of 60% water! Dehydration can have signs such as brain fog, muscle cramps, dry skin, bad breath, and dry mouth. Replenish your body with at least 8 glasses a day.
• Eat a well-balanced diet: Eating a healthy, balanced meal increases your nutrition intake, which in turn helps your body fight oral infections, maintain our immune system,  and promotes tissue healing.
• Exercise at least 30 minutes a day: Any kind of exercise of your choice that elevates your heart rate for at least 30 minutes will increase cardiovascular health and reduce the amount of inflammation in the body that play a role in gingivitis and periodontitis.