With COVID-19 restrictions starting to ease, it’s time to start thinking about your teeth!
While dental services were restricted over the last six weeks due to COVID-19, as dental practices open up for the full range of dental procedures, the Australian Dental Association (ADA) is reminding people to book an appointment with their dentist.
“For the past six weeks dentists have only seen patients on an emergency basis,” says ADA President, Dr Carmelo Bonanno.
“We’re pleased that people can now resume routine dental treatment, including any procedures they started before the pandemic struck.”
According to Dr Bonanno the ADA is expecting a rush of people back to the dentists due to potential oral care neglect while at home in isolation.
The temptation of sugary treats while at home could have been greater too – excess sugar consumption is known to cause tooth decay.
In addition to booking a dental appointment, the ADA recommend the following oral health practices to keep their teeth in top shape:
- Brush your teeth twice a day with a toothpaste containing fluoride.
- Floss daily to remove bits of food stuck between the teeth.
- Reduce sugar intake – most adults still consume far too much sugar. The World Health Organisation recommends limiting sugar to no more than six teaspoons (24 grams) a day.
- See you dentist regularly.
For those who don’t have a regular dentist, they can access the ADA’s Find a Dentist service to find their nearest practitioner.
More information on managing oral health during COVID-19 can be found here: ada.org.au/Covid-19-Portal/For-the-public.
