All of us are going through a lot of change right now. COVID-19 has disrupted our lives in many ways. While there are a lot of things we can’t do, we can still take care of our health.
With dental offices across the country postponing non-emergency dental treatment, it’s more important than ever to keep up with your dental homecare. We’re here to help with tips and answers.

KEEP YOUR TEETH HEALTHY…
With a lot of us working from home and adjusting to new routines, it’s easy to put aside our dental health. Here are a few tips to help:
• Wash your hands – aim for at least 20 seconds before and after any personal dental care
• Brush at least twice a day– be sure to get those hard-to-reach spots
• Floss once a day – this helps remove bacteria and plaque in places your brush can’t reach
• Eat a well-balanced diet – limit sticky, sugary snacks like cake and cookies
• Limit frequency of snacking – frequent snacking increases your risk of cavities
• Limit sugary drinks – soda and fruit juices can harm tooth surfaces
• Drink plenty of water – drink water with meals and between meals
• Avoid smoking – smoking limits blood flow to your mouth, making it easier for bacteria to grow

DENTAL EMERGENCIES…
For your safety and the safety of health care providers, please do not visit an urgent care clinic or an emergency room for your dental care needs. Please contact the Havrilla Center for Periodontics & Dental Implants by calling 610.328.9608.
We can handle many situations over the phone, such as helping with a toothache or a filling or crown that has become loose. If you’re unsure about your situation, we’ll be able to help. While we may be postponing non-emergency procedures, we will make appropriate arrangements if you need care.

GENERAL GUIDELINES TO FOLLOW FOR DENTAL ISSUES…
You can temporarily solve certain dental problems with items from your medicine cabinet or pharmacy.
• Dental pain – For dental pain, the key is whether there is swelling and if the pain continues. As with all medicines, please be sure to follow instructions.
o For pain without swelling – common over-the-counter (OTC) pain medicines can help. You can take a combination of Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen. Contact us for appropriate dosage and if the pain continues.
o For pain with swelling – in addition to OTC pain medicines, rinse your mouth with warm saltwater for short-term relief. Consult us for further guidance.
• Fractured tooth, lost filling, lost crown or bridge – You can get OTC temporary filling material from the dental aisle of your pharmacy. Many of these products are also available online and can be delivered to your home. Ask or search for “loose cap or filling repair.”
• Broken or ill-fitting dentures – Search your pharmacy for “denture repair kits” or “denture reline kits.”
• Trauma – If you experience a physical injury to your mouth, contact your us for guidance. We’ll evaluate your situation and recommend next steps.
• Gum, cheek, tongue and lip pain
o For children experiencing pain in any of these soft tissue areas, OTC pain medicines like children’s Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen can help. There are also children’s oral gels that can offer relief. Contact your dentist or pediatric dentist for help.
o For adults experiencing pain without swelling, common OTC medicated gels are available, including the brand name Orajel.

If you’re in doubt about your situation, reach out to us for help. We are in this together and will answer your call and your questions.

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