With the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) affecting all aspects of everyday life, it may be difficult now more than ever to get the dental treatment you need. However, it’s still important to make sure your teeth and gums get proper care. Here are some of my tips to prioritize your oral care while social distancing.

As of March 16, the American Dental Association has recommended postponing all elective treatment to protect public health and reinforce social distancing measures. This includes routine check-ups and all non-urgent dental or orthodontic care.

If you have an upcoming dentist or orthodontist appointment that can be canceled or postponed, please consider doing so. This reduces the risk of exposure for you, your dentist and their office staff.

Rather than visiting the dentist’s office, consider teledentistry. Using phone, text or video, dentists can provide virtual consultation and diagnose emergency situations to determine if you need to schedule an in-person visit.

Delta Dental covers teledentistry services. Check your plan coverage for details.

Keeping up with your oral hygiene is more important than ever! By being proactive, you can decrease your risk for tooth decay and gum disease, which can weaken your immune system. You can also lessen the need to leave your home to see a dental care provider.

Take care of your teeth and gums with a thorough, at-home routine that includes regular brushing, flossing and healthy eating. Get more guidelines on how to manage your oral health when you can’t see your dentist.