A Teenager's Guide to Braces

It's been over two years since the COVID-19 pandemic started, and while masking and other preventive measures have reached the "strictly voluntary" stage for a lot of businesses, variants of the virus continue to circulate and infect people. That has made a lot of people wary of going anywhere that would require them to lower their masks, such as the dentist's office. 

During the pandemic, many dentists made modifications to their office ventilation systems and created strict pandemic-control protocols, allowing their patients to have dental work done in a safe place. Yet many still avoided going, and two years on, many are wondering what to do. If you're one of those who are still unsure about going to the dentist, the care you give your teeth becomes all the more important.

Go All out With Daily Care

Now is the time to really double down on good dental care. Brush and floss twice a day, maybe a third if you're concerned about what you had for lunch. Use a mouthwash that fights gingivitis. Make sure you're brushing for long enough and that you're not just quickly flossing the top half of the spaces between your teeth. Try flossing before brushing if that makes it easier for you to remember to do it. Use soft-bristled toothbrushes and ensure your toothpaste has fluoride. And, importantly, don't brush within a half-hour of eating. That allows the enamel on your teeth to recover from the effects of being exposed to acids in food.

Take a Very Good Look at What You're Eating and Drinking

You don't have to give up all the goodies you like to eat and drink, but do be aware of how they affect your teeth and cut back on ones that affect your teeth in ways you don't like. For example, if you're in the habit of chewing ice cubes, stop now. If you don't want to carry dental floss with you, eating corn on the cob when you go out to eat likely isn't a good idea (but you can eat it at home, where you have easy access to floss if some of the corn gets stuck). Watch out for drinks that can stain your teeth, too; chances are you won't give up coffee or tea, but you can better regulate how much you drink when you know it could stain your teeth.

Look for a Dentist Whose Office Still Has Strict COVID Measures in Place

If you haven't gone to a dentist because the one you usually would see has either left or relaxed protocols, it's time for a change. Look for a dentist who is open about what they've done to increase the safety of their offices. Many made changes that improved ventilation, and many are still requiring daily temperature checks, requiring patients to mask up in the waiting room, restricting who can be in the waiting room, requiring all dental employees to wear masks and face shields, and so on. If you don't see anything on the office's website, call them and ask.