Posted November 5, 2020
Have
you put off going to the dentist because of the pandemic? Many people know they
need to see the dentist, but they are worried about their health and safety. So
if you are wondering, “Should I go to the dentist during COVID-19?,” here are
four things to know.
1. Essential
for health
People need to see the dentist at least once a year to keep their teeth and gums healthy.
Research shows that if you do not take care of your teeth and gums, you could
be at higher risk for developing serious medical problems. For example, putting
off taking care of a tooth with decay can lead to gum disease.
The bacteria in the gum infection can get into the blood stream and cause many
other health conditions. These include cardiovascular disease, stroke, diabetes,
kidney problems and respiratory issues. It can even cause problems during
pregnancy.Taking care of your oral health is essential so, yes, you
should go to the dentist during COVID-19. Dental offices are following
stringent protocols to keep patients safe. There’s more about safety
precautions below.
2. Dental
emergencies
During
COVID-19, many people put off seeing the dentist until they experienced tooth
or gum pain. Oral health problems left untreated can become a dental emergency
requiring immediate attention. During the pandemic, dentists have noticed an
increase in dental emergencies. Many people are working remotely or
quarantining at home. To lift their spirits, they are eating comfort foods.
Many of these foods contain sugars and carbohydrates that can combine with
harmful oral bacteria to attack tooth enamel and cause
decay.
You
should keep your teeth and gums healthy by
brushing twice and flossing once daily to remove food particles and bacteria.
Practicing good oral hygiene can prevent serious oral problems that could
require emergency dental care.
Learn
more about how the healthiness of your mouth could be an
indicator of your overall wellness.
3. Safety
precautions
Across
the country, dental offices are following safety guidelines outlined by their
state health departments. In addition, they are practicing disinfecting and
cleaning procedures as directed by the American Dental Association.
Before scheduling a dental appointment, you should contact your dentist’s
office, and also find out about the COVID-19 statistics in your state and county.During appointments, dental
professionals wear protective gear from head to toe, such as caps, masks, face
shields, gloves, gowns and shoe covers. They clean dental chairs and equipment,
and disinfect all tools after each patient visit.
You
will need to wear a mask as well when entering the building. Waiting rooms are
set up for social distancing. Or, the dentist may ask you to call from your car
when you arrive. Before the appointment, office staff will screen you for
COVID-19 symptoms and take your temperature to ensure they are meeting pandemic
health guidelines.
Yes, it
is possible to go to the dentist during COVID-19. Contact your dentist to find
out how the office is keeping patients and dental team members safe.
4. Teledentistry
chats
During teledentistry appointments, you can video chat
directly with your dentist about oral health concerns. This means you can see
your dentist during COVID-19 without an in-person appointment. Then if an
office visit is necessary, you can discuss the safety and timing of your
appointment. If you’re having oral discomfort and are concerned about going to
see the dentist, contact your dentist’s office to set up a teledentistry
appointment. You will need a smartphone or computer with internet access. The
office staff will provide a secure link for the video chat and explain how to
connect with a dental team member.
Are
you looking for a different dentist? Maybe you have moved, or because of
COVID-19 you prefer to visit a different dental office. Here are some helpful
tips to find the right dentist.
Sources:
ABC 11
NPR
Today
Mouth Healthy
https://www.ameritasinsight.com/wellness/dental/should-i-go-to-the-dentist-during-covid
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