Keep Dental Health During Pandemic

Pandemics now lead the world to a new era of civilization. This era certainly requires adaptation in various ways, both in the economic sector, tourism, education including in the health sector. Now independence and intelligence managing life's management will lead us to be winners in the Covid-19 pandemic phase. The challenge when covid-19 spreads almost everywhere is indeed heavy. In Bali corona virus is contagious. Thousands of people were exposed and 11 people died. One way to prevent this virus is to maintain our immune system. This can be done by living a clean and healthy lifestyle, one of which is maintaining healthy teeth and mouth.

According to Riskesdas data in 2018, the number of people who experience cavities in Indonesia reaches almost 60%. Many people think a toothbrush might be enough. But in fact, we must use flossing or dental floss to clean between the teeth. Research shows people who use dental floss have a lower risk of dental and gum problems than those who have never used dental floss. After finishing using dental floss mouthwash with water or mouthwash. The use of mouth wash is also an important series of oral and dental care. Choose mouthwash that contains fluoride. This mouthwash can reduce dental plaque and eliminate bad breath. But of course its use must be the right dose. If excessive will cause canker sores and dry mouth.

During this pandemic, it is better to postpone visiting a dentist or health facility if it is not urgent. According to the appeal of the Indonesian Dental Association Association (PBPDGI), the criteria for visiting a dentist is if they experience severe pain that is unbearable, traumatize the teeth and jaw, experience severe bleeding and experience swelling of the gums due to infection. However, if you want to visit a dentist you should make an appointment in advance with the condition that you do not have a fever, cough, or runny nose.

Then, if there are no problems with your teeth and mouth, how can you maintain good oral health during your stay at home? First, choose toothpaste that contains fluoride. This fluoride serves to inhibit the growth of bacteria in the mouth that can damage teeth. Second, use a soft toothbrush. Stop exchanging toothbrushes even though your family and change your toothbrush regularly. Brush your teeth twice a day morning after eating and at night before bed, then avoid brushing your teeth too hard. This results in a reduction in the enamel that will cause your teeth to ache. Third, avoid drinking soda, multiply drinking white wine and limit sweet foods because the acid content can make your teeth cavity easily. Cavities if left alone will certainly become broad and cause infection of the root canal. Root canal infections cause unbearable pain, especially when chewing, biting or consuming something hot or cold. Root canal infections can also cause abscesses (pus) and are accompanied by symptoms of swollen cheeks, lumps in the gums, fever and even swelling of the neck. Fourth, stop smoking because smoking can cause bad breath, plaque buildup and tartar. Tartar is a cause of inflammation of the gums. Gum inflammation is also prone to occur in people with diabetes and cardiovascular disease. And finally always keep your diet and don't forget to always consume fruits and vegetables regularly.