Hello! To all the patients and staff at Resolution! I’m missing you all.
Today marks the beginning of Mental Health Awareness Week and with it being almost two months since the UK Lockdown began I feel this is an important topic to bring your attention to.
Amid the current uncertain times it’s no surprise that mental health concerns are arising. Whether they are pre-existing or a new experience for you, my message to you all today is that you do not have to go through this alone. Despite the Lockdown restrictions there is 24-hour help available from many organisations working closely with those who are in need, alongside the wonder of technology and ability to video call our friends and families who we haven’t seen in what seems like a lifetime. Reach out to your loved ones, even if it’s just to sit with a cuppa through a camera!
Keeping a regular routine can also be a big help in staying focused and bringing some sense of normality to your day and such a simple way to do this is brushing your teeth as soon as you get up in the morning.
The benefits of brushing for 2-minutes with a Fluoride toothpaste are extensive, but this simple act of self-care, rising up with the sun and feeling fresh in the morning has certainly helped me personally.
It is often seen with mental health concerns that self-neglect can be a common problem and I say this to those struggling; Be Kind and Be Gentle with yourself. If you are finding it difficult to get that motivation in the morning, brush your teeth later in the day, but certainly try to brush before you go to bed to remove any debris and bacteria that has built up throughout the day.
Alternatively, if the thought of a toothbrush in your mouth is not appealing at the time, use a Fluoride mouth-wash instead, or even smear a pea-sized amount of toothpaste around your mouth, Swish then Spit. Do not rinse. The important thing here is to get that mood-boosting freshness and to get a coating of Fluoride protection on your teeth. Small actions can make a big impact.
Sound advice to maintain good oral health daily is;
– use a mirror to see what you’re doing.
– brush your teeth twice a day, once before you go to bed and at one other time, with a Fluoride toothpaste for 2 minutes. Be gentle.
– clean in between your teeth once a day using either dental floss, interdental brushes or a water flosser. Be gentle.
– use a Fluoride mouth-wash once a day, a separate time to your tooth brushing (maybe after lunch?)
If you’re overdue your routine appointment, or are noticing deposits building up in your mouth, don’t panic. Follow a good oral hygiene routine to reduce the amount of fresh build-up day-to-day and be gentle.
Plans are underway at Resolution to work out how we can re-open and start seeing our patients again safely. Hopefully I will see you all soon.
Stay sensible, stay safe.
Your Hygienist, Amanda.
Useful links;
https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/
https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters
https://www.samaritans.org/