A pandemic forces people to make a lifestyle U-turn. Since you may not keep some health appointments, you should take extra effort and extra care of yourself. Here are some dental care pointers to remember in times of social distancing:
1. Keep Your Mouth Healthy
You may stay at home during the pandemic, but don’t relax your oral health care routine. You should brush and floss as recommended. Also, consider using mouthwash, make sure your drinking water has fluoride, skip sugary drinks, and chew sugar-free gum.
2. Avoid Dental Accidents and Injury to Your Mouth
Accidents happen when you least expect them. However, many simple precautions can help prevent dental emergencies.
If you expect to take part in a sport or recreational activity, wear a suitable mouthguard. Steer away from hard candy, and don’t chew ice and popcorn kernels. Also, go for the scissors rather than your teeth when you want to open things. If something gets stuck in your mouth, remove it gently with dental floss and not with a sharp object.
3. Talk to Your Dentist About Changes in Appointments
Health care providers are used to thinking about the risk of infectious diseases. Find out from your dental practitioner about the extra precautions in place.
Changes at the dental clinic may include bringing your pen and waiting outside in your car instead of spending time in the waiting room. You may also need to visit the clinic unaccompanied to limit crowding at the office.
4. Call, Text, or Email Your Dentist
You don’t have to visit a dental clinic every time you have a dental query. Talk to your dental practitioner about remote interactions instead of face-to-face ones. You need to ask your dentist if you can call, text, or email your questions.
Other things you can do without a dental visit include making payments and filling health questionnaires.
5. Complete Your Dental Treatment
Some non-urgent dental visits may feel elective during a pandemic. You may, for instance, be able to delay a routine cleaning or a tooth whitening appointment. However, postponing some visits may increase the need for more complicated procedures. Future visits may also turn more expensive.
If the dental office is open, finish the treatment you had started before the pandemic. Unfinished dental procedures may create more significant issues. A delay could also become problematic if you have a dental emergency.
6. Inform Your Dentist If You’re Sick or You Suspect You’re Sick
Your dentist may call two or three days before your scheduled appointment. The dental office may want to know about your health status.
If you have symptoms of the coronavirus, you should let your practitioner know. The office will work with you and your healthcare provider to get you the proper care. You should also assist them in reducing the spread of the virus.
A pandemic doesn’t mean you have to skip the dental chair. You can and should still talk to your dentist even if the clinic is closed or visit when necessary. Your dental care provider will weigh in the risks of an appointment and advise you accordingly.
