In response to the current COVID-19 pandemic, the American Dental Association has recommended all dental offices across the nation to only accept emergency appointments. For many of us, this means our routine dental checkups and cleanings have been postponed until further notice. While this is certainly an inconvenience, this drastic decision was made to protect the health and safety of patients, doctors, and the community at large. The coronavirus is extremely infectious, and researchers believe that many cases exhibit mild or no symptoms, so reducing exposure and practicing social distancing are essential. Here are seven tips from your Sacramento dentist to keep your smile healthy until dental offices reopen.

1.) Reevaluate Your Brushing Routine

Your number one tool for preventing nearly every oral health issue is a great dental routine, which should include:

• Brushing your teeth for two minutes twice a day.
• Flossing all your teeth at least once a day.
• Regularly using mouthwash and a tongue scraper.

2.) Conserve Your Toothpaste

To limit how often you need to go out, it’s a good idea to conserve the dental products you already have. Many of us use too much toothpaste, when adults only need a drop about the size of a pea.

3.) Try Natural Remedies

Natural remedies can’t replace brushing or flossing your teeth. However, you can help your teeth and gums stay healthy by supplementing your dental routine with:

• A rinse with green tea extract, which can help keep gums healthy if added to a rinse.
• Saltwater, which can be swished around to ward off oral infections.

4.) Mind Your Munching

In these strange times, it can be easy to snack mindlessly or stress eat. Continuously eating throughout the day can drastically increase your risk of cavities, so try to limit your eating to mealtimes.

5.) Eat Smile-Friendly Snacks

If you do choose to munch between meals, choose options that can improve your oral health, like:

• Fiber-rich vegetables and fruits high in Vitamin C.
• Low-fat dairy products and lean proteins.

6.) Drink More Water

It can be difficult to remember to drink enough water when you’re at home all day. Staying hydrated hinders plaque buildup and washes away lingering food particles. Additionally, it boosts your immune system.

7.) Manage Your Stress

Stress can cause serious damage to your teeth as well as your overall wellbeing. A few stress management tips from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention include:

• Caring for your physical health with proper nutrition, adequate sleep, and exercise.
• Taking a break from news stories that cover the pandemic, including those on social media.
• Connecting with others, meditating, and doing activities you enjoy.

It’s more important than ever to take care of our oral health at home. Practice these seven easy ways to keep yourself healthy and you can look forward to leaving quarantine with a smile that looks and feels its best!

About the Practice

To Dr. Scott Grivas and Dr. Will Koett Jr, the health and safety of their patients, staff, and community has always come before everything. Typically, they are proud to show this by making sure every dental experience is a positive one, whether you’re getting a simple cleaning, a smile makeover, or anything in between. However, in accordance with the Sacramento County Public Health Order to practice social distancing, they continue to put you and your loved ones first by temporarily postponing all non-emergency appointments. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact them via their website or at (916) 571-0815.