Dental visit during COVID-19: How safe is it to go to the dentist right now?

The COVID-19 pandemic is still raging like jungle fire and people are bound to stay indoors for safety concerns. Every single business and every single industry is currently facing a dire situation and it has become a new normal to live with Coronavirus. However, this doesn’t mean that people are no longer falling sick or no longer need a regular health check-up.

Among all the other routine check-ups and follow-ups, dental check-ups are essential for people of all ages. No matter what level of dental hygiene you have, you must ensure that you visit your dentist regularly to ensure that your pearly whites stay white and healthy. However, what are the safety concerns owing to the COVID-19 pandemic now? Or, is it safe to visit your dentist during the pandemic? How to ensure that you don’t get exposed to the deadly virus if you go out for a dental check-up? Well, in the following discussion, we are going to discover the answers to all these questions.

What Are the Safety Concerns That You Must Consider Before Visiting a Dentist?

→Wear full-sleeved clothes, shoes, and a proper mask

→Don’t sit or stand in crowded places and make sure you travel in your private vehicle

→Make sure you have an appointment with the doctor and you adhere to the same

→Don’t visit just any dentist. Go to a reputed and well-maintained hospital where the staff and doctors have got themselves tested and follow proper measures such as gloves, masks, and PPE kits and every staff member is following the protection protocol.

What Do the Experts Say?

As the patients coming for dental treatments are not in direct contact with the dentists, they can stay sure about their safety. During dental treatment, the doctor is doing many things and is in direct contact with the patient’s mouth, saliva, and water etc. As the water goes in every direction, the chances of getting infected are more on the doctor’s end than the patient's. As ental hospitals are always following protocols regarding hygiene and sanitization (spaces, recliners and equipment), the COVID-19 safety and sanitization practices are nothing new to them. It’s just that the doctors and staff have to wear protective gear like masks, face shields and PPE kits etc. So, the patients can rest assured about their safety.

What Kind Of Measures Do the Dental Hospitals and Clinics Take to Ensure Staff Safety?

As the dental hospitals have equipment that comes directly in contact with the patient’s saliva, blood and mouth, they have to follow a pretty strict regime for sanitization and cleaning. With the onset of the pandemic, the hospitals are following even more safety practices and have the following:

→Automatic disinfectant dispensers

→Protective kits for staff

→Timed shifts

→Limited staff

→Limited patient count for each day

→Limited days of operation

→COVID-19 testing kits and regular tests for patients

The hospital management is also taking precautions regarding the crowding inside the hospitals. They are making sure that people are sitting or standing apart and are following social distancing guidelines.

What are Some Situations Where You Must not Avoid Visiting a Dental Clinic?

→If you are experiencing dental pain, swelling, and sensitivity you must visit the dentist for timely treatment.

→If you are experiencing cheek swelling because of a tooth or gum infection, you must not stall your dental treatment.

→If you have teeth or gum that are bleeding or aching continuously, then you must seek dental treatment as soon as possible.

What Security Measures Should You Follow When Visiting With Kids?

As people of all ages may require dental procedures, treatments, or regular check-ups, it is highly likely that kids will need to visit a dentist. If you're taking your child for a check-up, ensure the following safety measures:

→Make sure they wear a mask until they are seated at the doctor’s table.

→Ensure they avoid touching surfaces, and if they do, thoroughly sanitize their hands.

→Carry essentials like paper soap, a water bottle, wipes, and a small towel, so you can wash their hands anytime and anywhere.

→Do not let them eat or drink until they are home, have changed, and wash their hands.

→Schedule an appointment in advance and stick to the appointment time.

As the COVID-19 pandemic is expected to continue for several more months, we recommend choosing only reputed and quality hospitals, such as Dentique Dental Clinic, that follow strict hygiene protocols.