The Covid-19 global pandemic has caught the world off-guard and posed never seen before challenges. If travelling the world was on your checklist at the beginning of 2020, we do understand your state of mind today. For now, health is a top priority for most of us. We are constantly looking for different ways to spend our time while the whole nation is locked down. A lot many of us have discovered hidden passions such as cooking, and this is one common activity that has brought together people in every household. This has led us to experimenting with new and different cuisines each day. And then balancing all the delicious food with good health is another task. Well, in an atmosphere full of restrictions, there is no choice but to keep ourselves healthy. So, some of us have even taken to wellness and fitness very seriously.But are we remembering to care for our dental health as well during this lockdown? Have you ever imagined what your teeth must be going through each day with those foods you have been experimenting with!

With most dental offices still closed for addressing various dental problems, maintaining a good oral health routine is now more important than ever to help ensure your teeth, gums and mouth stay strong and healthy. One must take best possible care to remain symptom-free, but you may have to contact your dentist in case of a dental emergency. Well, worry not! Here are some simple home protocols that can be followed, as well as things that can be avoided during lockdown, to help improve dental hygiene and minimize the risk of any serious dental problems that may arise in the future:

• AVOID chocolates, food containing refined sugars like cookies, donuts, sugary biscuits as they tend to stick within the grooves of teeth and cause tooth decay. Especially avoid such items at night. INSTEAD, consume vegetables and fruits with high fiber content like raw carrots, cucumber, green leafy vegetables, sprouts which are great for mouth workouts.
• AVOID aerated and fizzy drinks, sports/energy drinks, artificially sweetened juices as they cause acidic erosion of tooth substance. INSTEAD opt for sugar-free gums, natural lemon juiceoccasionally which stimulate salivation and keep the mouth clean.
• AVOID cold, chilled items and ice as it may aggravate tooth sensitivity and it is neither good for the throat, especially during this unprecedented time.
• Fruits are good but they contain high natural sugars. So, avoid constant acid attacks by consuming fruits as a part of your meal and not as a snack. Consume low alkali foods/drinks like cheese and milk to balance the acidic effects of sugary foods.
• AVOID extremely hard as well as sticky items like chikki, betel nut (supari), nuts etc. especially for the people who have artificial teeth crowns, multiple teeth fillings and cosmetic treatments done in the past, as such items cause fracture/dislodgement of fillings, artificial crowns.
• BRUSH TWICE DAILY. Brushing at night is extremely important to remove any micro food remnants stuck on the teeth.
• Frequent rinsing during the day, rinsing after snacking are good practices.
• WARM SALT WATER is the best mouthwash one can make at home. Mixing 1 TSP salt in 150 ml of warm water (small cup) and rinsing for 15-20 seconds twice a day helps to maintain healthy gums and keeps the mouth free of pathogens. This mouth rinsing should be performed especially by those having frequent gum bleeding and PREGNANT WOMEN.
• The lockdown has made each of us extremely anxious about what shall come up next! INSECURITY, ANXIETY, DEPRESSION, and STRESS are on the rise. Stress is responsible for oral ulcers. Avoid stress as much as possible. In case you develop any oral ulcers, vitamin C and folic acid supplementation are helpful. The same can be practiced by those who are undergoing orthodontic treatment (braces), who get ulcers frequently. Contact your dentist for the remedy in case of pain.
• SENIOR CITIZENS who wear DENTURES must clean their dentures twice daily as per their routine. The dentures must be removed and kept in a hygienic, designated box dipped in water at night. Improper cleaning may lead to fungal infections.
• In case of any dental emergency which includes tooth pain, knocked-out tooth due to trauma/injury, swelling due to tooth infection or uncontrolled bleeding, CONTACT YOUR DENTIST. Self-medication may be unsuccessful, or it may further complicate and worsen the problem.

Let us take utmost care of our oral and general health during this time. And remember, smile while you still have those teeth. Because times are tough and you don’t know what new surprise nature can throw at you next. Stay Healthy Stay Safe!

About the Author:

1. RISHI BHIMANI _M.D.S

Periodontist & General Dentist

Dr. Rishi Bhimani is a Periodontist (Gum Specialist) and Oral Implantologist practicing at Dr. Rishi’s Dental Clinic , Vashi, Navi Mumbai. Dr. Rishi is also a consulting specialist with major dental centers around Maharashtra. He has authored many papers and articles for national and international publications on dental science and oral health.