Thanks to the need for social distancing and conservation of medical supplies during the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, the American Dental Association has advised that dentists limit their work to potentially life-threatening or severely painful dental emergencies for the time being, which means that anything routine or cosmetic is being put aside. This implies that your at-home DIY oral-care strategy could benefit from an improvement—and possibly some adjustments—to keep your teeth healthy until the industry resumes normal operations. We consulted dentists to discover what you can and should do in the meantime to maintain your smile.
Enhance your brushing routine
Sure, you know to use fluoride toothpaste twice a day, but now that you don't have the support of your hygienist, you need to pay more attention to how effectively and for how long (two minutes) you brush. Additionally, there's something else to consider: although we haven't found evidence of a connection between dental health and the pandemic, New York City-based cosmetic dentist Dr. Victoria Veytsman notes, "The COVID-19 virus exists in saliva, and the mouth and nose are the main routes through which this virus enters the lungs. If your oral hygiene is lacking, now is the time to improve." She also mentions that good oral care is particularly crucial at night when bacteria can accumulate for hours, and suggests cleaning your toothbrush with peroxide before and after use – and, of course, not sharing it within the household.
Other aspects to consider in brushing: Dr. Arielle Scherz, a dentist in Atlanta, advises switching to an electric toothbrush if you haven't already, for a more thorough (and often longer, thanks to built-in timers) cleaning. Finally, if you're prone to cavities, Beverly Hills, California, cosmetic dentist Dr. Matt Nejad suggests reaching out to your dental provider to see if prescription-strength fluoride toothpaste could assist in keeping your enamel in good condition.
Clean between your teeth
In recent years, there has been some discussion suggesting that flossing might not be the ultimate solution for cavities and gingivitis as we once believed, but dentists concur that now is not the time to be lax in this practice. Ensure you do it correctly by holding the floss taut, sliding it along the edges of each tooth, and gently reaching all the way down to your gums. Even better: switch to a water-jetting flosser, like the Waterpik. "In several studies, the combination of the water flosser and brushing has been shown to be more effective than brushing and traditional flossing," says Dr. Nejad. However, he states that if you don't have one, that's okay – the main point is to clean between your teeth. "Either method, when done regularly and properly, will significantly reduce the occurrence of cavities."
Be cautious with mouthwash
Mouthwash is another essential item according to the dentists we surveyed. One containing alcohol works, although a study by BiodMed Research International indicates that choosing one without alcohol is gentler on dental restorations. Dr. Nejad recommends a formula with peroxide for a slight whitening effect. Colgate Peroxyl fulfills both requirements.
Related: What Is Dental Anxiety, and Can You Overcome Your Fear?
Ignore minor chips for now
"Although it can be distressing, a chipped tooth typically doesn't constitute a dental emergency," says Dr. Scherz. So if you notice a nick, you can likely leave it for the time being, but if you experience pain, contact your dentist – they will try to schedule you to address any nerve problems.
Otherwise, keep the area clean, advises New York City dentist Dr. Jennifer Jablow, who adds a caution: "Never use Krazy Glue to reattach it to the tooth – it's toxic."
Chew carefully
Dentists agree that avoiding hard and chewy foods (such as ice, peanut brittle, or Starbursts) will help keep your teeth and dental work intact. And if you find yourself nervously chewing on pen caps or your nails, force yourself to stop – think of it as touching your face, which is not advisable in the fight against COVID-19. If it's a long-standing habit, it can be challenging to break, but Dr. Najad offers two suggestions: "You can coat the pen cap [or your nails] with a bitter varnish, like Stop the Bite, or find an alternative to chew on, such as [sugar-free] gum."
All this advice is especially important for those with crowns, bridges, implants, and similar dental work: now is the time to handle your expensive dental treatments with the utmost care. If any of it becomes dislodged despite your efforts, call your dentist to determine if you need an in-office emergency visit.
Use your night guard
"With all the stress in the world currently, those who have a tendency to grind their teeth are more prone to do so," says Phoenix cosmetic dentist Dr. Brian Harris. So, if you have a night guard, use it. If you don't, some of the dentists we spoke to believed over-the-counter kits could be a decent solution for a short period, while others, like Dr. Nejad, are concerned that since they're not custom-fitted, they might cause more harm than good. Instead, he suggests, "If you have a retainer, [customized] bleaching tray, or Invisalign, you could wear that."
Be cautious with stain removal
It might seem tempting to use the extra time at home to try a new whitening kit, but it's better to hold off, insists Dr. Rick Mars, a dentist based in Miami. "If a complication occurs during this period, you might have difficulty finding a dentist who can handle your issues related to these do-it-yourself dental treatments," he warns.
Instead, focus on preventing new surface stains for now. Dr. Harris suggests brushing after consuming staining foods like soy sauce or red wine with whitening toothpaste that's gentle enough not to cause enamel damage or sensitivity. In other words, avoid overly strong whitening formulas.
Stay consistent with aligners
For patients in the midst of aligner treatment, continue wearing them, says Dr. Mars, but contact your dentist for instructions on the pace to follow. If you're due for a new set, call your dentist to see if it's possible to have the next set mailed to you or to determine the best way to proceed. "The main point is, don't stop wearing your aligners," he says.
