04/14/2020
A word from Dr. Young
Stanton Young DMD - practicing in for more than 20 years, based in since 2009.
While sheltering in place during the , most offices have been shut down. I have put together 5 points of helpful advice to consider while you are unable to visit your dental provider.
1. If your teeth are sensitive:
- Avoid acidic foods and drinks- citrus, vinegar, etc. Consider a high fluoride toothpaste such as Sensodyne, Colgate Sensitive, Prevident, etc.
- Utilize a night guard, if you have one, when you are suffering from (teeth grinding/clenching).
- A softer food diet will also be beneficial if your teeth are sensitive or you are experiencing TMJ discomfort.
2. If you have severe and suspect that you have an , you can call your dentist who should be able to call in a prescription to your local pharmacy for an antibiotic which will likely significantly reduce your symptoms within 24 hours and help you to manage until you can secure an appointment for treatment.
3. While being homebound, it’s much easier to brush after meals as well as floss daily. Cleaner teeth will lessen the chances of tooth decay and gum disease.
4. Avoiding processed foods and choosing whole foods will result in a less inflammatory diet and less plaque/calculus build-up on your teeth. Ideally limit jarred, canned, packaged foods which have been treated with all sorts of preservatives and additives. Choose when possible whole foods- vegetables, fruits, eggs, nuts, etc. I enjoy homemade salads with extra virgin olive oil, a bit of balsamic vinegar, and loads of spices. I also like raw almonds, celery sticks, baby carrots, dried figs… A great breakfast smoothie that I learned from a Dutch friend involves 1 banana, a slice of pineapple, an avocado, and an entire organically grown quartered lemon. I believe that embracing a whole food diet will also lead to improved health and a stronger immune defense against Covid-19 and any other viruses that you may be exposed to.
5. If your are as in red, swollen, and bleeding upon brushing or flossing, consider rinsing wish a saline solution throughout the day- 1/4 tsp salt in 1/4 crop warm water. You can do this hourly for a rapid response, but at least aim for twice daily.
I wish you all well and I look forward to reopening my office ASAP at full capacity to help you with any and all of your dental needs.
Stanton Young DMD
14 East 4th St. Suite 606
NYC 11217