As we’ve mentioned recently, the Provincial Health Authority and the College of Dental Surgeons of BC have both recommended that all dental professionals limit their practices to emergencies only at this time. These precautions are obviously to try to prevent or mitigate the spread of COVID-19 between patients and health professionals. We’re really sorry for any inconvenience this may cause, but the current situation won’t last forever. So, if you have an emergency, then by all means, call our office. (604) 922-0111.

But in the meantime, we wanted to give you some tips on how to avoid emergencies. Because who wants to need their dentist in an emergency? Nobody. Not all emergencies are avoidable, but some are. Here are our tips:

1. Brush your teeth. A lot.
This may sound simple and basic, but clean teeth and clean braces will prevent a lot of potential problems. So, brush your teeth more than usual, and at least after every meal and before bed. Flossing is always difficult with braces, but there’s always a Waterpik. At least do something in addition to regular brushing.

2. Don’t eat hard, bulky foods.
Young people always feel invincible. Now is not the time to be chewing on rock-hard candy or giant sub sandwiches on hard bread. Think twice before you bite into something because you don’t want to be breaking off parts of your orthodontic appliances. Or think twice and bite once.

3. Cut back on risky sports.
Hopefully, many restrictions will be lifted by the summer and then you can barrel down the mountains with your mountain bike. For now, try to avoid rough sports like that. Take a walk. Teach your dog some tricks. Read some books. Now is not a great time to smash up your mouth, and that will constitute a dental emergency.

4. No chewing on gum or ice.
Just don’t do it. It’s a ticket to major problem. You want to avoid problems right now, so avoid ice and gum.

5. Don’t chew on random things.
Don’t have random things in your mouth to chew on, like toothpicks, Popsicle sticks, lollipop sticks (you shouldn’t be eating sugary candy anyway) or pencils or pens. Take those things out of your mouth.

6. Do not use your teeth like tools
This may sound silly, but it’s not uncommon. Don’t use your teeth to open packages or pry something loose. Yes, people do it. It’s a great way to damage your braces.

Conclusion
Many of these things you already know, but think of this list as a reminder. Right now, you want to avoid having to come in. If you follow these tips, there’s a good chance you’ll have no problems for the next few weeks. We’re not asking you to swear off these things forever, just while COVID-19 is wreaking havoc. And we hope to see you soon when the restrictions lift.

The Hicks orthodontic practice has been around for over 40 years, with Bryan Hicks taking over for his father. Dr. Hicks works hard to give his patients extraordinary outcomes from their orthodontic treatment. If you have any questions about this article or need to talk to someone in the office, give us a call at (604) 922-0111.