It can be difficult for us to get to the dentist at the best times. With the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and quarantine in early 2020, it’s been more difficult than ever to access necessary and safe dental care. With so much of the world still figuring out how to operate safely as we did before, dentists have upped their game. 
The Problem With COVID-19 and Dental Care
One of the primary concerns about Covid is how easily it spreads. It does so through coughing, sneezing, breathing, and touching. When we visit the dentist, we breathe and touch and, quite likely, we sneeze and cough as well. This puts both the patient and the dentist at elevated risk of catching and spreading the virus.
Why You Should Visit The Dentist
There are several reasons to visit the dentist, and they’re about more than just cavities.
- Oral cancer–can be difficult to diagnose, and many people don’t recognize the warning signs. With oral cancer, early detection means better, quicker treatment. A dentist knows what to look for and will check your mouth for any signs or symptoms.
- Gum Disease–Gingivitis and progressing gum disease put your entire mouth in jeopardy. By the time you see symptoms such as swollen and bleeding gums, it’s already likely that you’ll lose teeth.
- Bone health–X-rays at the dentist are one of the few places where we get X-rays of our jaw. These X-rays help dentists spot unseen issues such as cysts and tumors.
- Neck, head and lymph nodes–swelling, bumps, and lumps in these nodes often signal serious health issues like cancer. When providing a full exam, your dentist will check your nodes for any abnormalities.
Why It’s Safe
Organizations such as the American Dental Association and the Centers for Disease Control have carefully crafted rules and guidelines for safely and effectively managing COVID-19. This includes improving Personal protective equipment (PPE), equipment sterilization, and operating procedures to control infection.
Enhanced Patient Screening Procedures
Dental offices have adopted comprehensive screening protocols to ensure patient and staff safety during the pandemic. Before appointments, patients are often required to complete health questionnaires and have their temperature checked upon arrival. Many offices stagger appointments to reduce crowding in waiting areas, and some even offer virtual check-ins, allowing patients to wait in their vehicles until their scheduled time. These measures aim to minimize potential exposure to COVID-19 and create a safer environment for all.
Focus on Advanced Sanitization Technology
To combat the spread of COVID-19, dental practices have turned to advanced sanitization technologies. Many offices now use UV light sterilizers and antimicrobial surface coatings to kill viruses and bacteria. Additionally, high-volume suction devices and extraoral vacuum units have been introduced to reduce aerosol production during dental procedures, lowering the risk of airborne transmission. These innovations demonstrate the dental industry’s commitment to patient safety in challenging times.
The Importance of Preventive Care During the COVID Pandemic
Preventive dental care is more important than ever, especially as pandemic-related stress can exacerbate oral health problems. Stress-induced conditions such as teeth grinding and jaw clenching have become increasingly common, leading to issues like cracked teeth and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. Regular dental visits ensure early detection and management of these problems, preventing them from becoming more severe and costly to treat.
Adapting to Patient Comfort and Concerns
Recognizing that some patients may still feel apprehensive about visiting the dentist, many practices have made extra efforts to address these concerns. Clear communication about safety measures, flexible scheduling options, and the availability of teledentistry services are all designed to put patients at ease. Dentists are also spending additional time educating patients about the importance of maintaining oral health during the pandemic, reinforcing the value of in-office care.
Strengthening the Patient-Dentist Relationship
The pandemic has highlighted the importance of trust and communication between patients and their dentists. Dentists are now more focused than ever on building strong relationships with their patients by listening to their concerns and providing personalized care. This renewed emphasis on patient-centered care not only addresses immediate safety needs but also fosters long-term confidence in the dental profession, ensuring that patients continue to prioritize their oral health.
COVID-19 and Dental Care: Contact Us Today
Our team at Beach Dental Center are as concerned as you are about catching and passing along the virus. This means that we will do our very best to protect you, our team, and other patients. If you have any concerns at all, please contact us at (757) 496-0993 or online today.
