An Australian dentist had an urgent message for the millions of Australians that have been ordered to stay home as unprecedented state-imposed social distancing measures are being enforced:

“Now is the time to step up your oral hygiene like you’ve never done before,” she said, in an interview with ABC News (COVID-19 restrictions on dentists prompt warning to ‘step up your oral hygiene’).

She has a point. While we have been subjected to stage 3 COVID-19 restrictions here in Australia, dental practices in Brisbane have also been put on level 3 restrictions to address the pandemic risks and dangers.

Forced to stay home? Don’t neglect your teeth and gums.

The dental restrictions include a ban on any dental treatment that causes an “aerosol” – loosely defined as any mist-like liquid droplets – unless the patient is in serious pain or has other urgent dental needs requiring urgent dental care. Pure Dentistry is an emergency dentist is Brisbane that provides urgent dental care including wisdom teeth removal and root canal treatment to address tooth infection issues and dental pain. Also see Brisbane Kids Dentist for Experienced Dentists for Children in Brisbane.

Aerosol-generating procedures increase the risk of transmission for COVID-19. In fact, aerosols or sprays of bodily fluids such as saliva or blood could be highly infectious for dentists, nurses and other patients.

Unfortunately, the aerosols ban effectively suspends the delivery of regular preventive dental care and professional dental cleaning – which together form the basis of your twice-yearly oral hygiene visits to the dentist.

In the absence of the regular dental check-and-clean sessions, what can you do to maintain your oral hygiene and prevent the occurrence of dental ailment?

We have prepared a list of important at-home dental tips to help you tide through this crucial period:

Healthy eating habits are an essential part of your oral hygiene regimen.

Nutritional foods like milk, leafy green vegetables and fresh fruits can help to build your teeth’s resilience to bacteria and plaque – as they are loaded with calcium, vitamins and minerals.

Conversely, foods like candies, bread, rice and potato chips that are high in sugar or starch contain fermentable carbohydrates that can contribute to tooth decay.

To avoid staining of your teeth, avoid red wine, black tea, or smoking cigarettes or cigars.

One upside of being forced to stay at home is that you have more time to spare. Instead of indulging in junk food, you can spend more time preparing healthy food.

Perhaps now more than ever, it is vital that you brush your teeth twice a day or after every meal with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Don’t forget to replace your toothbrush every three months or the head of your electric toothbrush at least every two months.

Remember to floss at least once daily to remove plaque that’s hiding in the gaps between your teeth. In addition, use an antibacterial mouthwash at least twice a day. That can greatly reduce dental plaque – and the bacteria responsible for plaque build-up that causes decay and gum disease.

To avoid staining of your teeth, avoid red wine, black tea, or smoking cigarettes or cigars.

Daily tongue scraping will help remove unwanted bacteria that may accumulate on your tongue’s surface and cause halitosis, also known as bad breath. If you have one, use the tongue scraper. Place it toward the back of your tongue and move it toward the tip of your tongue while applying pressure.

Gargling daily also helps to cleanse the back of the mouth and upper throat as well as wash away bacteria and debris.

Studies have shown that gum massage increases blood flow to your gum tissue, thereby circulating nutrient-rich blood to the gum tissue to help fight gum disease and improve overall gum health.

If you do not own a special gum massage tool, you can massage your gums with your fingers. Simply take your clean index finger and hold it firmly against your gum tissue. Then, move the tip of your finger in a circular motion while sliding it along your gumline for about ten minutes.

Applying a bit of plant oil, such as olive, coconut, or sesame oil on your finger will aid the massaging process while helping to kill bacteria as well.

While access to regular dental checks and cleans have been temporarily disrupted by COVID-19, it’s time to step up your at-home oral care hygiene!

For more information on how we can assist with your dental care during this time, see emergency dentists in Carindale.