As most of you are aware, the coronavirus (COVID-19) is affecting a variety of businesses and industries, including our own. We want to provide you an update on North State Dental Partners’ response to COVID-19, as well as give you some tips on maintaining your dental health during this particularly stressful time.
Dr. Wingate’s Response to COVID-19
As most of you are aware, the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation is beginning to have a greater impact on our society. We have been closely monitoring all announcements from the North Carolina Dental Board, American Dental Association (ADA), Center for Disease Control (CDC), and North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS). The current recommendation published by the NC Dental Board is to postpone all elective or non-emergent dental care for the next two (2) weeks.
Therefore, Garner Family and Cosmetic Dentistry has decided to close the practice effective at 5:00pm on Tuesday, March 17th. In an ongoing effort to recognize and protect the health and safety of our patients and our employees, the practice will remain closed for two (2) weeks. We will plan on reopening and treating patients starting again on Wednesday, April 1, 2020.
If you are a patient of record and have a true dental emergency please call the office phone number. We will respond as quickly as possible.
Our team is doing our part to help flatten the curve of the coronavirus, and we hope you’ll do the same.
Dental Health Under Stress
We want to encourage our patients to continue practicing excellent oral hygiene care during this time. Here are some tips on maintaining your dental health during this period of high-stress.
Avoid Sugary & Teeth-Staining Snacks
Many people turn to comfort food to provide relief during periods of high-stress. In moderation, snacks and desserts are fine. However, we want to encourage our patients to take extra precautions when consuming certain substances, especially during this time when we are unable to perform preventative cleanings. Substances like sodas, coffee, potato chips, hard-candies, tomato sauces, red berries, and citrus fruits are all known to be tough on your teeth. Minimize your intake of these substances, and brush your teeth after consuming them to ensure your teeth are taken care of.
Prioritize Oral Hygiene
During a period of high stress, it can be difficult to know what to prioritize. However, oral hygiene habits must remain on your to-do list. Brushing and flossing twice a day can reduce your chances greatly of dental concerns. Additionally, if you have children, you should encourage them to do the same.
Relax Your Jaw
Teeth grinding and jaw clenching are common responses to stress. We do not want our patients to suffer from the tooth damage and jaw pain consequences that come from these actions. Several times a day, make it a point to relax your jaw and facial muscles. You can even leave yourself notes around your home are a reminder to do so. Moving your jaw around throughout the day can also help to reduce tension built up throughout the day.
We at Garner Family and Cosmetic Dentistry look forward to seeing you soon and resuming our preventative, restorative, and cosmetic care practices. In the meantime, please contact us if you experience a dental emergency during this crisis.