Many of you have not been to a dentist for at least a year and a half because of the COVID-19 pandemic. People may fear leaving their homes, going out in public, or letting a dentist work on your mouth just inches away from your face. 

An American Dental Association poll shows seriously dangerous health implications for anyone delaying getting back to a dentist with 63 percent of dentists polled reporting an increased number of broken or cracked teeth, and a whopping 71 percent reporting an increase in bruxism, which is the grinding of the teeth or clenching of the jaw resulting in damage to the teeth. If it has been quite a while since you’ve seen a dentist, it is time to get back on track with your dental health. 

#1 Don’t ignore dental health 

You may have a small pain in a tooth. A new chip may have happened to a tooth while you were eating dinner. One of your teeth are slowly discoloring. “Whatever the reason, no matter how small, you want to make sure you get your oral health addressed immediately,” said Dr. Tony Thomas, lead dentist at Advanced Smile Care of North San Antonio. Especially when it comes to pain in your mouth, that pain should never be ignored. Sure, you can take a pain reliever, and it may reduce or temporarily eliminate the pain, but the root problem is not going away, and could be getting worse. A dentist can diagnose the pain and give you a permanent solution for your problem. 

#2 Brush and floss properly

Keeping up with your dental health starts at home. Remember, you get to see your teeth every day. Your dentist, at best, likely only sees your teeth every few months. “Brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing once a day before you go to bed are critical to maintainingyour dental health,” said Dr. Thomas. To brush properly, spend at least two minutes using a proper brushing technique brushing every section of your mouth. Using an electric toothbrush is best because they often come with a built-in timer. To best clean your teeth, hold your brush at a 45 degree angle. Also, don’t forget to brush your tongue. Your gums need brushing too. Just do it gently. When it comes to flossing, make sure to get each side of every tooth, including the teeth in he four corners of your mouth. 

#3 Watch your diet

During the coronavirus pandemic, many of you gained what’s being called “The Pandemic 15,” which is a reference to “The Freshman 15,” when students enter college and gain 15 pounds in their first year. For many people, the pandemic was stressful, which led to an increase in consumption of eating more unhealthy food and packing on the pounds. Everyday Health recommends skipping the sweets, avoiding acidic foods and teeth-staining drinks, incorporating healthy fats and calcium into your diet, and drinking plenty of water. “A proper diet is great for your dental health, but also your overall health as well,” said Dr. Thomas. 

#4 Get back to the dentist

Seeing a dentist at least twice a year is imperative. You may think you know everything about your teeth because you brush them and floss them. However, a dentist knows what to look for that you may not see in your mouth, and X-rays reveal damage the human eye often can’t detect. “Several months into the coronavirus pandemic, dentists such as Advanced Smile Care began taking extra precautions in the office to make sure it was as safe as possible when it came to the safety protocols,” said Dr. Thomas. That included enhanced PPE for our dental team, safety measures for patients including a health screening and a temperature check, and social distancing throughout the office. We know it can be challenging to alter your routine when it comes to your oral hygiene, especially for those of your with dental anxiety. Remember, your overall health is inextricably inked to your oral health. Sticking to these tips will take you far to getting your oral health back on track.

COME SEE US

Extraordinary care and top-tier comfort for our patients represent foundational principles at Advanced Smile Care. For nearly 40-years, our team led by Dr. Tony Thomas DDS, has been San Antonio’s premier dental practice for creating transformational smiles. Many dentists are limited by the services they provide. They don’t have the expertise to offer specialized services. But at Advanced Smile Care, we do it all, whether it be a full-smile makeoverdental implantsdentures or sedation to get you through your treatment. Whether you need a cavity filled or a full set of dental implants, cosmetic treatment or require sedation dentistry, our team promises to provide you with the care you deserve. As we like to say, “It shouldn’t hurt to smile.”

Call us at (210) 366-3606 and get started