Due to COVID-19, our office has only been open for emergency services for a while. Appointments for typical dental treatments were either canceled or postponed. Now, we’re finally able to open back up cautiously. But what if you had an appointment scheduled during the time we were closed? Dr. Melanie Andrews of Plantation Road Dental Care, a family dentist in Destrehan, LA, offers advice.
Get Your Appointment Rescheduled
Just because your condition isn’t an immediate dental emergency doesn’t mean it isn’t important. Something as simple as tooth bonding is still important for your oral health. You don’t want to just skip this appointment. We may have already reached out to you to get your appointment rescheduled. If not, please call or use our online scheduling tool to get something set up.
Keep Up an Oral Healthcare Routine at Home
Particularly if you missed a dental service, it’s important to make sure you’re taking care of your oral health at home. We know it can be hard in these strange times. Your normal routine was upended and smaller things may have slipped through the cracks. However, it’s essential that you brush and floss twice a day if you want to avoid issues with tooth decay or gum disease.
Try setting an alarm or reminder on your phone to go off in the mornings and evenings. This will ensure you get your two a day in. It can also help remind other members of your household. It certainly won’t hurt if you’re brushing more often, either. If it helps you to remember better, brush after every meal. This offers the added benefit of eliminating stuck food particles quickly.
Watch What You’re Consuming
Your diet can impact your oral health more than you may realize. And currently, it’s hard to get certain foods. Grocery stores are having trouble keeping the shelves fully stocked and you may not be able to get everything you normally do. We’re also turning to comfort foods in trying times, which tend to be less healthy. But there are easy things you can do with your diet to benefit your oral health.
First, try not to consume that much sugar. Sugar is one of the worst things for your teeth. Harmful oral bacteria use it as their main food source, then emitting an acidic byproduct. This byproduct eats through the enamel on your teeth, causing tooth decay problems that can lead to dental fillings. The more sugar you eat, the more that byproduct is being released in your mouth.
Also, make sure water is the primary thing you’re drinking. It doesn’t contain hidden sugars or additives like other beverages can. If you’re drinking tap water, there’s a strong chance that it’s fortified with fluoride to strengthen your dental enamel. Even if it isn’t, water is still the best way to keep your mouth hydrated. It helps rinse away sugars and food particles from your smile.
Your Family Dentist in Destrehan, Louisiana
At Plantation Road Dental Care, we’re ready to see all of our patients’ smiles back in the office. Call us or schedule an appointment online!