Five working-from-home dental tips you should follow

Submitted By Lane & Associates Family Dentistry

We’re all making adjustments to cope with the new realities brought on by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. But, while coping with all of the new things going on, it’s important to stay on top of your dental health — even if you aren’t making that morning commute to work every day.

Here are five ways to make sure you’re taking care of your dental health:

MAINTAIN YOUR REGULAR DENTAL ROUTINE

Just because your coworkers can’t smell your breath through the Zoom call doesn’t mean you should skip your dental routine.

“Your dental routine is more important now than ever before,” said Dr. Cameron Noah. “With the stay-at-home suggestions and a majority of people trying to avoid going out other than for necessities, keeping up your dental hygiene is vital.”

Be sure you are brushing and flossing at least twice a day and attending your sixmonth dental checkup. With the current PPE and OSHA guidelines, dental offices are safe and clean environments going above and beyond their already rigorous hygiene standards.

STAY HYDRATED AND AVOID SUGARY DRINKS OR HIGH SUGAR PRODUCTS

Drinking enough water throughout the day is still just as important as it was when you were heading into work. Our suggestion is to get a large water bottle, around 32 ounces, and fill it up first thing in the morning before you sit down to work. This way, it’s ready to drink, and since it’s sitting near you, the likelihood of you consuming it goes up significantly.

We know it’s tempting to down that soda or eat that candy bar, but avoiding sugary drinks and food products will also help prevent cavity formation.

TRY EATING FOODS CONTAINING VITAMIN D AND CALCIUM WHENEVER POSSIBLE

Your diet is one of the most influential changes you can make while working from home. You have easy access to your kitchen and don’t have to worry about the office goody jar. Try choosing foods like spinach, dairy products and lean proteins. These are high in vitamin D and/or calcium which are essential to healthy bones and teeth.

If you can also add in a multivitamin as a regular part of your day, your body and teeth will thank you.

ASK IF YOUR PROVIDER HAS TELEDENTISTRY CONSULTATIONS

If you are in need of dental care, you should reach out to your dental provider to see what types of services they are offering during this time. Some locations, like Lane & Associates Family Dentistry, are even offering teledentistry appointments

with consultations via mobile or web applications. These consultations are live with a dentist where you can show them the issue safely from the comfort of your home.

VISIT A DENTIST BEFORE AN EMERGENCY ROOM

If you have a dental emergency at home, many locations throughout North Carolina are offering same-day services. To avoid overcrowding at emergency hospitals, please call your dental provider before visiting the ER. Typically, dentists and dental specialists will be able to handle your case more proficiently, causing you less time in pain and more time where you can get back to work.

Although some of us may not want that.

We hope these five dental tips help while you are working from home. If you have any other dental questions and would like to speak to a dentist, call 877-LANE-DDS or visit www.LaneDDS.com.