Due to COVID-19, we’ve been following the ADA’s recommendation to only serve emergency dentistry cases at this time. This means that appointments for other issues may have been canceled or postponed. But, you don’t have to worry. Dr. Karl Neuhaus of Creekside Dentistry and Implantology, a dentist in Amherst, NY, offers suggestions on what you should do if your routine appointment was involved in this.

Get the Appointment Rescheduled

Just because it isn’t an emergency doesn’t mean that it isn’t important. Preventative care and your bi-annual cleaning and checkup are still crucial to your oral health. Don’t use this as an excuse to skip your appointment. Our office may have already reached out about rescheduling. If not, call us or utilize our online scheduling tool to set something up for the future.

Keep Up With an Oral Healthcare Routine at Home

Especially if you’re missing a cleaning, you want to make sure you’re keeping up with brushing and flossing at home. We understand it may be difficult to remember the little things when your entire routine has been upended. You’re trying to work from home or assisting your kids with their online learning. Things that may seem trivial, like brushing enough, may get missed.

However, it’s crucial to brush and floss at least twice a day if you want to avoid problems with tooth decay and gum disease. Set an alarm on your phone for mornings and evenings. This can help make sure you’re getting two a day in and can help other people in your household remember too. It doesn’t hurt to brush more than that as well. If it helps you to remember, try brushing after every meal.

Watch What You’re Consuming

It’s unrealistic to try and keep up with a completely healthy and balanced diet. Grocery stores have limited hours and are struggling to keep the shelves stocked. Many of us are turning to comfort foods as well during the crisis, which aren’t the healthiest usually. But there are some very simple things you can do with your diet to help your oral health.

First, try to limit your consumption of sugar. Sugar is one of the biggest enemies of your oral health. It serves as the main food source of harmful bacteria that reside in your mouth. This bacteria emits an acidic byproduct that eats through the enamel on your teeth. This is what causes cavities and the need for things like root canals. The more sugar you eat, the more this byproduct is released into your mouth.

Also, drink water primarily. There are no hidden sugars or additives that may harm your teeth. In fact, if you’re drinking tap water, there’s a good chance it’s been fortified with fluoride. Fluoride helps to strengthen your enamel. Even if your water doesn’t have fluoride, it’s still the best drink for your oral health. It helps rinse sugars and food particles away from your smile.

Your Dentist in Amherst, New York

We’ll be here to make sure the stress of the crisis hasn’t harmed your smile. Call us or schedule an appointment online for the future.