Please note: if you are experiencing any pain or are worried about your oral health, please consider using teledentistry during the COVID-19 Crisis.
Offices are encouraging working from home left and right and recommendations — or in some cases local government ordinance— are advising us to stay home. The world seems to be crawling along right now, but it’s times like these that give us an opportunity to embrace a sense of mindfulness.
It can be overwhelming, but it’s even more important to focus on our mental, physical, spiritual, and oral health. Of course, as a dental hygienist, I will always add that last reminder!
Taking care of yourself, teeth included
I can hear the excuses now: “I just don’t have the time for it!” But I am here to say, now more than ever, we need to be much more conscious of our oral health. Most of us have been granted the time to do so. We’re having our meals at home, our work is at home, so most of us have the flexibility to take care of ourselves at home during this pandemic. So let’s make the best of this quiet time with a healthy habits reset. Here are some of my favorite tips, oral and overall health-related:
Tips to stay healthy during the COVID-19 outbreak
- Brush and floss after all meals and snacks! You’re at home and you can easily sneak off to your own bathroom without your coworkers noticing. Brush for at least two minutes with either a soft manual toothbrush or an electric toothbrush. Don’t forget to use your preferred tool (traditional floss, a water flosser, or interproximal brushes) to clean in between your teeth. A healthy mouth means a healthy you!
- Make sure you get adequate sleep. Try to maintain as normal a sleep schedule as possible. Sticking to your normal routine can help you get through your day.
- Feed your brain and maintain social distancing. Read books, tap into your creative side with some craft projects, or meditate to reduce stress levels during this chaotic time period. If you’re a social butterfly, connect with your loved ones via social media or online video calls on a regular basis.
- Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals. I know resources can be scarce during times like these, but we need to be mindful of what we are consuming as we don’t want our health suffering due to poor eating habits.
- Exercise, exercise, exercise. Try to get at least 30 minutes of physical activity a day. Can’t leave the house? Check out sources like YouTube for virtual workouts you can do in your own space.
- Wash your hands and stop touching your face! The CDC recommends washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Sing those ABCs, Happy Birthday, or another song of your choice during handwashing to encourage you and your kiddos to wash their hands thoroughly!
As always, please remember to be kind to yourself and others by spreading love and positivity. And if you’ve got dental questions or concerns, reach out via our Virtudent Connect for help during this trying time.
