3 Tips to keep your Gums Healthy during COVID-19

Bloomsburg, Danville, and Lewisburg, PA

Your overall oral health is not simply based on the appearance of your teeth. The condition of your gums is also critical. During the COVID-19 pandemic, regular dental cleanings and checkups are being put on hold for a few weeks. But, that doesn’t mean that you can become lax about your oral hygiene routine. Therefore, your family dentists in Bloomsburg at Hamilton Dental Care are providing three tips to keep your gums healthy during COVID-19.

What is gum disease?

Gum disease is caused by tartar buildup under and along the gum line. Plaque is a sticky substance that is filled with harmful bacteria that could cause infections leading to tooth decay. Regular brushing and flossing removes plaque, but anything left behind hardens and becomes tartar, which can only be removed by professional dental cleanings.

The initial stage of gum disease, known as gingivitis, is reversible with proper treatment. It causes symptoms such as inflamed, tender, red gums that are prone to bleeding. If the plaque and bacteria are not removed, it could cause an advanced form of gum disease called periodontitis, which could impact the jawbone that surrounds your teeth, resulting in tooth loss. Our general dentists in Bloomsburg can detect gum disease and offer ways to manage this common oral disease.

Here are some tips to help you protect your oral health during the coronavirus pandemic

1. Brush Your Teeth – The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that you brush your teeth a minimum of twice per day to keep harmful bacteria from damaging your tooth enamel. Brush using fluoridated toothpaste to help protect your teeth against tooth decay.
2. Floss Your Teeth – Flossing removes plaque buildup from the areas that your toothbrush cannot reach. Everyone should floss once a day, preferably before bed (after your last meal). We also recommend flossing underneath and around dental implants and bridgework.
3. Quit Smoking – Smoking is hazardous to your health. In addition to heart and lung complications, it is also associated with the early onset of gum disease. If you already suffer from gum disease, smoking could make it more difficult for your gums to heal as it weakens your immune system.

Although you may be attempting to stay at home as much as possible right now, that won’t last forever. In a few weeks or so, life will begin feeling normal again for most of us, which means that our Bloomsburg general dentists will be accepting appointments for dental cleanings and checkups. Beat the rush now by going ahead and scheduling an appointment. Checkups and cleanings should occur every six months to remove tartar buildup that is responsible for cavities and gum disease.

Dental Care in Bloomsburg, Danville, and Lewisburg, PA

As the coronavirus continues to spread across the United States, changes in procedures and appointments may occur at our dental office. We do ask that if you have a dental emergency to contact our office instead of going to the emergency room during the COVID-19 pandemic. The hospital emergency rooms are experiencing a high level of patients, and they are not equipped for providing emergency dental care. Hamilton Dental Care proudly serves the Bloomsburg, Danville, and Lewisburg areas, and we are available for emergency dental appointments during the coronavirus pandemic.