The world is in the middle of a pandemic and all of a sudden you realize you need to go to the dentist. Maybe a tooth has started to hurt, or it's just time for your regular check-up and you're very responsible with your appointments.
What should I do? Is it safe to go to the dentist? Should I cancel?
Let us clear that up for you.
Should I go to the dentist during the pandemic?
The short answer is yes!
Dentists, like any healthcare professional, have always had high hygiene standards, even before the pandemic. Pandemic or not, the human mouth is full of bacteria that dentists don't want to spread to themselves or other patients.
Masks and gloves have always been part of normal dental practice around the world.
Hospital-grade sterilizers are a must in a dental practice; these use heat or ultraviolet radiation to kill viruses and bacteria on operating instruments and some clothing.
Mouth dams are used whenever possible to prevent the spread of water droplets while dentists work.
Disposable clothing is often used to quickly and safely dispose of gloves or gowns between patients.
In response to COVID-19, they have also implemented new measures specifically designed to protect their patients, and themselves, against this nasty new disease.
These include things like:
Social distancing in dental practice. The most common way to accomplish this is to have patients wait outside for their appointments.
Air extractors and purifiers to remove viruses and bacteria from water particles in the air.
Online consultations to reduce the amount of face-to-face time needed.
Should I go to the dentist if I have COVID-19?
Nope!
If you are confirmed to have COVID-19, it is important that you do not go to the dentist and stay home as much as possible.
If you have had a test and are awaiting the results, it is also ideal that you do not visit the dentist until you have a confirmed negative result.
This is one of the key ways you can prevent the spread of the virus and keep dental practices safe for everyone else.
Remember that your health and that of others begins with yourself. Go visit your Dentist and don't forget to apply all the protocols.
