Certain groups of people, such as older individuals and those with pre-existing health conditions, are at a heightened risk of suffering life-threatening symptoms if they contract COVID-19. If you belong to one of those groups, it is important that you take measures to protect yourself. But what if you need to go out to receive dental care? A dentist in Torrington is here to discuss five concerns that you may have.
Postponing Treatment
Some types of dental treatment are urgent and cannot be delayed without putting your long-term oral health at risk. For example, if you have a severe toothache or one of your teeth gets knocked out of your mouth, you should certainly visit your dentist as soon as possible.
Other types of dental treatment can safely be postponed. For example, high-risk individuals may choose to delay their regular cleaning and checkup for a few months. If you were planning to undergo an elective procedure, such as teeth whitening or another cosmetic treatment, you may wish to reschedule your appointment for a future time.
Caring for Oral Health at Home
Whether or not you decide to visit your dentist, you should always stick to a diligent at-home oral care routine. For example, twice-daily brushing and once-daily flossing are essential. You should also eat a low-sugar diet and avoid risky activities, like opening packages with your teeth. When you need to go to the grocery store to replenish your oral care supplies or pick up some tooth-friendly foods, be sure to wear a mask and sanitize your hands before and after you are in the store.
Social Distancing
If you do decide to visit your dentist, rest assured that your local dental team is adhering to a strict dental safety protocol that includes social distancing. For example, they may be spacing out appointments so they have extra time to clean between patients and so there are as few people in the waiting room as possible at any given time. They may even have removed some chairs from the waiting room so people cannot sit close together.
Sterilization and Sanitation
The American Dental Association and The Centers for Disease Control provide guidance on how dentists can maintain sterile equipment and a clean office environment. Responsible dental teams strictly adhere to these protocols every day because they care deeply about the health and safety of their patients.
Dental Team Member Health
The last thing your dental team wants to do is put you at an increased risk of becoming ill. That is why they submit to daily health screenings before they start work. These screenings include a contactless temperature check and a few questions to assess whether they are experiencing any potential COVID-19 symptoms.
Even if you are considered a high-risk patient, your oral health does not have to suffer due to COVID-19. Both you and your dental team can work together to make sure that your smile stays intact throughout this stressful period of time.