Now more than ever it is highly important and necessary to fit caring for your teeth and gums into you and your family’s daily routine.
At times of peak stress and distraction foundational effective oral hygiene can often be abandoned, including correct daily brushing and flossing habits leading to a raised incidence of poor oral health that could have been avoided. A survey commissioned by the Australian Dental Association (ADA) revealed that only 51% of Australians brush twice-a-day and only 17% floss regularly.
Australian health statistics show that 90% of all dental disease is preventable, yet dental decay is a significant and costly health issue amongst adults and children. Research also suggests that the health of your mouth mirrors the condition of your body as a whole. For example, when your mouth is healthy, chances are your overall health is good, too. On the other hand, if you have poor oral health, you may have other health problems and lower immunity.
With the recent Corona Virus pandemic impacting upon Central Coast residents we are urging everyone to recognise the importance of maintaining consistent and effective oral hygiene habits to ensure optimal oral health and overall health and wellness during this time.
How to protect your oral health during COVID-19:
1. Practice good oral hygiene daily
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a soft-bristled brush using fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss daily. If you aren’t already doing so, flossing at least once a day is recommended. Floss can get into the space between the teeth and gums, removing much of the food and plaque that a toothbrush can’t.
- Replace your toothbrush every three months or sooner if bristles are splayed or worn.
2. Brush for long enough
Most of us are feeling rushed and time poor, especially with added challenges of working from home and/or minding kids at home too. To gain the maximum benefit from brushing, you should brush for at least two minutes morning and night, using a soft-bristled toothbrush with a small head and a flexible neck. The advantage of these toothbrushes is that they remove the plaque and debris from your teeth without damaging your teeth and gums.
3. Eat a healthy diet and limit sugar intake
The foods you choose and how often you eat them can affect your general health and the health of your teeth and gums. Proper nutrition means eating a well-balanced diet so that your body can get the nutrients needed for optimal health and wellness.
Try to avoid snacking too much in between meals as it can increase the rate of tooth decay by increasing acid production.
4. Avoid smoking
Smoking can lead to tooth staining, gum disease, tooth loss, and in more severe cases mouth cancer.
5. Try to stress less
Yes, we know, this is easier said than done! It is natural during this time to be feeling elevated levels of anxiety and stress. This however can result in grinding of teeth, headaches and more. If you are experiencing any of the above, please contact us today.
6. Don’t put off a visit in an emergency
If you are in pain or have an emergency, please come and see us. We have formed the Central Coast Dental Emergency Service to enable us to continue to serve the local community safely during this time. Click here to learn more about our Emergency dental Service
24/7 Dental emergency hotline
Emergency dental care 24/7 hotline – 0480 261 192
The health and safety of our patients, team and local community is our priority.
Following recommendations from the Australian Dental Association, Dental Board and APRHA, we have increased our response to the need for emergency dental as a result of lockdown measures.
We are here to support the community, so whether you’re an existing patient or new, if you need emergency care, we will do our best to help you.
Please SMS:
- YOUR NAME
- POSTCODE
- DENTAL ISSUE
We will respond as soon as we can and organise appropriate care for you.
Worried about visiting us? Don’t be! We are taking additional precautions to ensure your health and safety
We are committed to keeping you and your smile healthy for the long term. The team are happy to answer any questions and provide useful advice for maintaining optimal oral health and overall health.
Stay safe, keep well.
Resources:
Australian Dental Association
www.ada.org.au