Should I Visit A Dentist During COVID 19?

July 8th, 2020 | by: Admin | Posted in: Uncategorized

During this pandemic of COVID 19, as many states are going back into lockdown, the people are questioning themselves. Should I visit a dentist during COVID 19? Is it safe to do so? As the cases have been on the rise again and the dental office is a more likely place for it to spread. Many dental offices have been closed down following the guidelines of the CDC, staying open only for emergency procedures. There are a few boxes you may need to check before you decide to go to a dentist.

Dental Office Safety

All healthcare workers must obey the guidelines to safety set by the CDC. Everytime you leave your home there are germs and bacteria present in the air. Along with regularly washing their hand and sanitizing the tools your dental office prepares for the COVID 19 by using the following methods:

• Spacing out appointments
• Checking your temperature along with other symptoms
• Asking whether you’ve been around people who have COVID-19
• Limiting the number of people you bring with you
• Place the waiting room chairs 6 feet apart for social distancing
• Wear more protective gear than usual

Importance Of Dental Care

When the first lockdown of the coronavirus hit the world the dental care industry was closed down as it is not considered an essential service. Many dentists and orthodontists will tell you the same thing. It is not good to keep ignoring non-urgent problems as these simple problems can become urgent ones. During this time it is very important to have proper dental care as not taking care of your teeth and gum could cause inflammation in your gums. Inflammation is a risk factor for developing COVID 19. Dental offices in Woodland Hills California are cleaning up the area and sanitizing for every person that comes in to keep people safe and provide them with proper dental care.

Dentist Safety During COVID 19

Due to COVID 19, many states have closed down dental care facilities altogether. The facilities which are still open take extra precaution so the people don’t have any problem. Wondering should I visit a dentist during COVID 19? As COVID 19 is vulnerable to certain stuff we take into account. As such dentists do the following to avoid any transmission:

• Temperature readings done as part as a regular check up before procedures.
• The protection gear worn during the procedure needs to be appropriate and effective.
• Decrease the exposure of any infectious agents by using a rubber dam whenever possible.
• Using a faster method to do all the dental procedures to avoid any transmission.
• Make the patients rinse with a solution of hydrogen peroxide to avoid infections.
• Regularly clean and disinfect areas around the office including door handles, chairs and bathrooms,
• Remove and magazines, reading material or toys which can easily spread the virus through touch.
• Not use the same mask twice.

Importance Of Oral Health

Oral Health is directly related to overall health in many ways. Leaving your oral health unchecked could lead to bacteria festering and causing more problems, as such proper dental care is necessary as given below:

Proper Dental Care During COVID 19

Dental health is a very important part of our life as putting aside dental health could cause all kinds of infection. So we are providing you with proper dental care so you can use it during COVID 19.

• Always wash your hands for 20 seconds at least before and after personal dental care.
• Brush twice a day once in the morning and another time before you sleep.
• Flossing helps remove bacteria and food stuck between teeth. It is good to do it once a day to clean your teeth.
• Eating a well balanced diet
• Limit amount of snacks
• Limit amount of sodas and fruit juices.
• Drink a lot of water anytime you can to keep hydrated.
• Avoiding smoking not only spoils the lungs but also allows bacteria to grow easier in your mouth.

Emergency Treatments

The American Dentist Association mentions that any condition big or small should be treated right away as it will naturally turn worse and end up in an emergency case. You don’t need to think should I visit a dentist during COVID 19? These below cases are all emergency cases for which you should visit a dentist right away.

• Serious pain
• Bleeding that won’t stop
• Swollen areas in or around your mouth
• Broken teeth
• Signs of infection
• Dental work related to cancer treatment
• Dentures that don’t work the right way
• Wires in your braces that hurt
• Trauma that may affect your ability to breathe

Guidelines To Dental Issues

During the COVID 19 it is safer to avoid dentists as such there are certain treatments for which you may not require going to a dentist.

Dental pain:

Depending on whether there is swelling or not the instructions vary.

• If there is pain but no swelling you can take some pain medications to help reduce it and contact your dentist if it still continues.
• If there is pain as well as swelling along with some pain medications you should rinse your mouth with salt water and call your dentist on what you should do next.

Fractured tooth, lost filling, lost crown or bridge:

You can find some over the counter filling material in your pharmacy as well as online. Just search for loose cap or filling repair. As Dental offices are only available in emergency cases this is the best temporary option.

Broken or ill-fitting dentures:

For this you would require to get some denture repair kits from your pharmacy.

Trauma:

If you have had a physical injury near your mouth contact your dentist on what you should do next. Your dentist will give you the best advice based on the situation.

Gum, cheek, tongue and lip pain:

• For children mild pain in gums and teeth can be relieved by pain medicines, if this does not help call your dentist.
• For Adults there is a gel available for any swelling of gums or cheeks.