The COVID-19 Pandemic and Dentistry.  

Are you neglecting your dental treatment only because you are worried about the ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic? Well, the bad news is you aren’t just ignoring your dental treatment but your adding it to your own burden. Neglecting a minor dental treatment in these times will do no good to you. A minor tooth ache can also an underlying dental problem that needs immediate consultation. But the good news is taking a dental treatment in these times is absolutely safe. All that you hear through various media channels are nothing but Myth!  

Of course, times are challenging and you can’t take them lightly. But by keeping in mind all the necessary precautions you are absolutely good to go  

 Necessary precautions to be taken. 

 The dental practice has been known for hygiene and precautions. Talk to your dentist and get to know about the precautions taken by them. During your virtual consultations be upfront and ask your dentist whether it’s safe for you to visit the clinic. Make sure that the centre is practicing certain guidelines and is undertaking protective measures such as- 

Wearing PPE kits 
Using Rubber Dams 
Screening 
Social distancing 
Disinfecting all surfaces more often  
Removal of non-essential items from the centre  
Spaced out appointments 
 The dentist will make sure to know about your travel history, your medical history and the severity of the situation. In times as risky as this it becomes of utmost importance to make sure that you answer the questions with the best of your knowledge so that everything flows safely. 

Here, what other major factor would come up is Consent form during the COVID-19 pandemic. As the times have changed the requirements regarding the consent form has changed too. 

It is your duty for your personal well-being to go through the form thoroughly and only then consider proceeding further. 

Dental care is essential 

Dental care has been known to affect overall health seriously. The complications from a lack of dental care can extend far beyond just gingivitis. Gum diseases have been proven to cause something as serious as heart diseases too. Additionally, almost all systemic diseases have a direct connection to not having oral well-being. This includes diabetes, oral cancer, and kidney diseases. 

Choice is yours 

After stepping into the clinic, it is not mandatory that you have to take the dental treatment, NO! You’re the patient, the choice is yours. If you feel that the hygiene protocols are not maintained properly, immediately leave the clinic. No one can question you for this. It’s your wish to take a treatment and it’s your decision to discontinue. Move to another clinic where you feel more comfortable. Don’t get treatments in a hurry and also don’t neglect them 

Final Note 

Dental Fraternity is known for its hygienic practices and compulsively sanitizing instruments and surrounding for the betterment of their patients. Consult a trusted dentist and take further steps according to their recommendation. Communicate and don’t hesitate to ask questions and get your doubts cleared. There is nothing such as a silly doubt that exists.  

Although it is important to keep in mind that ignoring any dental issues would only result in it worsening and resulting in a critical condition. Talk to your dentist, clarify all your doubts and ensure you give importance to a good dental hygiene!  After all, there’s everything if there’s a healthy, well maintained oral hygiene