The most important thing you can do right now to stay healthy and make sure others are healthy is to stay home. In California most dentist offices are only providing care if it is an emergency.
Some dental offices are temporarily closed. If your mouth or teeth hurt or you think you have a dental emergency, CALL your dental provider or local safety-net clinic. Tell them how you feel, including if you have a fever, a cough or chest pain. Your dental team will tell you what to do next. Your dentist may talk with you about your symptoms on the phone or over video chat. DO NOT GO TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM.
Some examples of dental emergencies are:
- Very bad toothache pain (not just a twinge)
- Swollen gums, face, or neck
- Bleeding in your mouth that does not stop
- Infection or a substantial risk of it
- Recent trauma to the mouth
Dental appointments for these needs should be rescheduled:
- Regular exam or cleaning
- Regular visits for braces
- Treatment for cavities that are not painful
- Removal of teeth that are not painful
Practice basic Dental Hygiene:
- Wash your hands very often with soap and water. Scrub for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap is not available.
- Don’t touch your face. This is a lot harder than it sounds and requires effort.
- Cover coughs and sneezes with the inside of your elbow or upper arm.
- Stay home if you feel sick, and seek appropriate medical guidance.
- Take care of your teeth and mouth. Brush and floss your teeth, clean your tongue, swish, and spit, and gargle twice with mouthwash.