Staying healthy during the COVID-19 pandemic is a priority for everyone, and your oral health is an essential feature.
If anything, maintaining great oral health is now more important than ever. Here at Advanced Dentistry of Scarsdale, our team understands your concerns and are committed to helping you stay on top of the situation both at home and at the dental practice.
Why You Must Maintain Your Oral Health During COVID-19
Oral health is very closely linked to many aspects of your overall health, including various diseases as well as the body’s natural immune systems. Given that individuals with pre-existing conditions or weakened immunity are more likely to contract the virus and experience its worst outcomes, it’s imperative that you monitor the situation.
The following stats underline the need for greater oral care, particularly under these challenging circumstances;
- One in four Americans (1) has untreated tooth decay.
- Up to 39% of low-income people (2) state that poor oral health has a negative impact on their lives.
- Poor oral health can impact the accuracy of COVID-19 testing (3).
- Over half (4) of 6 to 8-year-olds have dental caries.
- One in three adults (5) has not visited a dentist in the last 12 months.
- Diabetes and cardiovascular disease are the most common underlying issues (6) in COVID-19 patients.
Maintaining good oral health during COVID-19 can, therefore, be considered one of the most important responsibilities for anyone wanting to reduce the risk factors while also staying healthy and enjoying a better quality of life.
Maintaining Good Oral Health At Home
As always, good daily oral care will provide the perfect platform to build a strong dental routine. The following steps will give you the best shot at maintaining a winning smile and great general health during the pandemic;
- Brush twice daily (morning and night) for 2-3 minutes at a time.
- Choose a suitable toothpaste – usually a fluoridated toothpaste, but our dentists may advise a specialized solution to match your dental requirements.
- Floss once per day.
- Wash your hands with anti-bacterial gels or soap and hot water on a frequent basis and try to limit touching your mouth.
- Use mouthwash and, where possible, eat a balanced diet that aids your mouth’s pH balance.
In addition to the general tips, you should disinfect your toothbrush daily by rinsing it for a few minutes in a 0.5% hydrogen peroxide solution. This will combat the fact that the coronavirus can live on surfaces for up to three days, subsequently reducing the risks of it spreading to you. Keeping the toothbrush covered is another positive step.
Further precautions include changing your electric toothbrush more frequently (monthly) and drinking fluoridated water. When you pay greater attention to your oral health amidst COVID-19 at home, the reliance on professional care will be reduced too.
What About Dental Checkups During COVID-19?
When the coronavirus was first labeled a pandemic, most dental practices were forced to temporarily close, particularly for non-emergency procedures. Moreover, the American Dental Association (ADA) and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) have both suggested delaying unnecessary appointments. For those that have already seen a professional in 2020 and boast good oral health, it may be best to delay the next appointment until 2021.
However, you shouldn’t postpone a dental health checkup if you have any reason to assume that there is a problem. Whether it’s discomfort or dental calculus, ignoring the need to visit a dentist will increase the risk of more serious conditions, as well as the threat of contracting COVID-19.
If you are planning to schedule a dental checkup, though, you need to partner with a dental office that has its health and safety under control. The telltale indicators that you must look for are;
- Minimal time spent in the facility, especially in communal areas.
- The presence of hand cleaning materials.
- The use of highly advanced Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
- A digitized surface that cuts down on touching surfaces and handling physical items.
- High-quality HVAC systems supported by HEPA 13 filtration.
- A service that sanitizes rooms between patients.
Here at Advanced Dentistry of Scarsdale, we spent months making the necessary changes to keep you safe during your visits before reopening our doors. Maintaining good oral health with dental cleaning procedures and oral screenings during COVID-19 has never looked better.
Emergency Dental Services During COVID-19
Life doesn’t stop for COVID-19, and you remain susceptible to health conditions, including oral health problems. When emergency dental care is needed, our team can provide a speedy solution to get your health back on track.
The definition of a dental emergency has temporarily changed due to COVID-19, but the following issues should all be investigated immediately;
- Swelling of the gum, cheeks, or facial areas.
- Mouth ulcers that take longer than 14 days to heal.
- Lost teeth.
- Broken teeth that have caused significant pain.
- Prolonged bleeding in the site of a recent tooth extraction.
Other issues, such as excruciating pain that has impacted your sleep patterns and quality of life, should be treated as an emergency too. Ultimately, your gut instinct will probably point you in the right direction. If you feel that emergency dental care is required, Advanced Dentistry of Scarsdale can support you through the pandemic.
Meanwhile, issues like uncontrolled bleeding or facial swelling that makes it hard to see or breathe should be treated by heading straight to the nearest Emergency Room. Following the treatment, you can contact our team for further advice and continued care.
The Final Word
COVID-19 has impacted every aspect of our lives, and oral care isn’t any different. However, with the right daily routines and a vigilant approach to professional and emergency treatments, you can stay on top of the situation.
For further tips on preventative and responsive dental care during COVID-19, Advanced Dentistry of Scarsdale is here to help. Contact us to schedule an appointment today!
