Painful teeth? How to overcome this issue during the pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the time you spend outside of your house, the people you can see, and has even caused stress-induced oral health issues. With all the restrictions like lockdowns and social distancing, you may have noticed the need for dental work. Painful teeth can be a result of many things including grinding and clenching your jaw, both of which are stress-related actions.

So, how do you overcome tooth pain during the pandemic when dentists’ offices remain closed or have limited hours?

Emergency dental

Though there are closures and restricted operating hours, there are many Medicine Hat dental clinics like Park Meadows Dental that offer emergency dental services. Emergency dental treatment can help you when you are experiencing extreme pain in your oral cavity. Call your emergency dentist when the office is closed to receive treatment before the next regular opening time.

Dental emergencies are issues with your teeth or gums that need to be dealt with right away such as:

• Lost fillings
• Excessive bleeding after dental surgery
• Broken tooth

Remember, an emergency dental appointment is required if any of these things are causing you severe pain, preventing you from participating in everyday activities.

Preventative measures

There are ways to keep your mouth healthy to avoid experiencing tooth pain that requires an emergency dentist. Med Hat dental clinics are around if you do run into any serious issues. In the meantime, try to avoid things that could cause injury to your mouth and remember to wear a mouthguard when playing sports. Many dental injuries are directly related to sporting activities. During the pandemic you want to enjoy being outdoors, just make sure you use preventative measures to protect your teeth.

Here is how to keep your teeth and gums healthy:

• Brush and Floss

Daily flossing and twice a day brushing of your teeth will get rid of any food particles stuck between them while helping you avoid plaque and tartar build-up.

• Healthy Eating and Drinking

Avoid sugary foods and try to maintain a balanced diet with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables to help your teeth steer clear of cavities. Drink lots of water to help flush away any extra bits of food that may be sticking around. Healthy meals are key to helping your body and mouth stay away from negative toxins.

• Meditate

Most of all, try and keep calm during the pandemic. You might want to consider meditation as part of your daily routine to keep you relaxed and rid your mind and body of stress. Reducing stress will help you refrain from picking up negative oral habits like grinding your teeth or reaching for the nearest sugar-filled cookie.

Speak to your dentist on the phone or through e-mail to get a clear idea of when it is safe for you to come in for a check-up. Your dentist will work with you to ensure any treatments required are done with the utmost safety and care, especially during the pandemic.