Why You Should Visit Your Dentist During the Pandemic
We are in a pandemic… why do I need to be brushing and flossing regularly? And do I really need to visit my dentist for preventive dentistry right now?
COVID-19 has changed many aspects of our daily lives. Many of us experienced periods without work, times when our children attended virtual school, and moments when grocery store workers became our most frequent contacts. As a dental health professional, I have observed an increase in patients with stress-related tooth fractures and elevated plaque buildup due to changes in their oral hygiene routines.
Key Takeaways About Dental Care During the Pandemic
- Regular dental appointments help maintain strong oral and overall health.
- Lewis Estates Dental provides essential dental services with enhanced safety protocols.
- Healthy gums create a barrier that helps protect against harmful bacteria.
- Professional teeth cleaning prevents plaque buildup and gum inflammation.
- Good oral hygiene practices support your immune system function.
- Dental offices follow strict infection control procedures to ensure patient safety.
- Regular dental screenings can identify potential health issues early.
While the importance of proper brushing and flossing remains unchanged, dental appointments have become even more crucial during this time. The dental profession has consistently emphasized the significance of thorough brushing and regular flossing habits as part of your oral hygiene routine. Our primary goal is to help prevent the development and accumulation of tartar buildup on your teeth due to its significant impact on your periodontal health. The oral bacteria in plaque trigger gum inflammation that creates pathways for disease to enter your body. When your gums are compromised, they cannot effectively block bacteria from entering your bloodstream. This connection has been well-documented in dental research, and the consequences become more severe for individuals with underlying health conditions.
Understanding the Connection Between Oral Health and COVID-19
This brings us to the critical relationship between oral inflammation and SARS-CoV-2. Medical imaging has revealed that not all infections develop through respiratory pathways in the airway. Research has confirmed that the virus exists in high concentrations within human saliva. Evidence suggests that the virus can travel from saliva into the body through inflamed or unhealthy gum tissue. By entering blood vessels near the heart, the virus can then circulate to the lungs and establish an infection.
Maintaining excellent oral hygiene through regular dental cleanings and checkups is essential for your overall health. A consistent oral care routine helps ensure your body’s natural defenses stay strong. Regular visits to your dentist and dental hygienist for professional teeth cleaning help maintain optimal oral health. If you haven’t contacted your dental clinic to schedule your comprehensive dental hygiene visit, now is the perfect time to prioritize your dental health screening.
Dr. Pushpinder K. Bains
Important Information about Dental Care During the Pandemic
- During the pandemic, dentist appointments now include enhanced safety protocols, temperature checks, and additional personal protective equipment for staff.
- Delaying dental treatment during COVID-19 can lead to more severe oral health issues and increased treatment costs.
- Dentists recommend maintaining regular 6-month check-up appointments during the pandemic unless otherwise advised.
- Dental offices implement strict sterilization procedures, air filtration systems, and physical distancing measures to ensure patient safety.
- You should schedule your next dentist appointment as soon as possible if you’ve delayed care during the pandemic.
- Skipping regular dental cleanings can lead to increased plaque buildup, gum disease, and potential systemic health issues.
- Dentists use medical-grade PPE, maintain strict sanitization protocols, and follow enhanced infection control procedures to protect patients.
- Dental problems like cracked teeth and gum disease have increased by 30% during the lockdown period.
- After recovering from COVID-19, patients should wait 14 days before scheduling a dental appointment.
- Dental offices typically treat 50% fewer patients per day during the pandemic to ensure proper sanitization between appointments.
It’s your time to shine
Schedule your next visit and we’ll keep your mind, body, and smile healthy for years to come.