Regular dental visits are a beneficial addition to everyone’s oral health routine. Before COVID-19, we would encourage patients to keep up with routine dental visits. However, over the last several weeks dentistries have closed their doors temporarily only providing emergency services. During these unprecedented times, excellent oral hygiene is key. Maintaining a healthy diet, brushing at least twice per day and flossing once per day can be a great way to prevent serious oral health problems.
Considering the recent changes to dental services, would you know when to book a dental appointment? Let’s get into what you need to know when booking dental appointments in light of COVID-19.
DENTAL VISITS BEFORE COVID-19 (FROM INFANCY TO ADULTHOOD)
For parents with babies, we would suggest booking an appointment when their first few teeth start to sprout. This practice is effective because it helps infants become accustomed to seeing a dentist. It also allows parents to ask questions about their baby’s oral health.
As their infants mature into toddlers and then children we would encourage parents to bring their kids in as they develop their baby and adult teeth. Regular visits to the dentist ensure that any issue a child may have can get identified and treated. Also, parents and children can receive education about how to care for their teeth.
As children develop into teens, puberty becomes a contributing factor in a teenager’s oral health. During a dental visit, adolescents can receive the tools they need to stay vigilant with the way they care for their mouths.
As adults and seniors many more changes to their oral health can occur including pregnancy, menopause or other potential ailments. Regular dental visits allow a dentist to screen for potential health problems at all stages of a patient’s life.
WHEN TO BOOK A DENTAL APPOINTMENT DURING COVID-19
For the past few months, dental offices including our own have only been providing emergency services in light of the pandemic. As much as we love caring for our patients and providing preventative, cosmetic and restorative treatment public safety is at the forefront. While you may not be able to see your dentist for regular check-ups or cleanings, knowing when to call your dentist is crucial.
Currently, dental offices are opening in phases. During this phase of re-opening, you can book emergency appointments which include oral-facial trauma, infections and unmanageable pain. Dentists can also provide urgent care including abscesses, tooth fractures, fillings and other dental trauma.
Learn more about patient dental treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic
If you are uncertain whether or not you have a dental emergency or if you require urgent care call your dentist. Your dentist will be able to help you assess your symptoms and come up with the best course of action for your condition.
BOOKING REGULAR DENTAL APPOINTMENTS AFTER THE PANDEMIC
We are happy to say that we have re-opened our dental office with some new protocols to help keep you safe. Please do not hesitate to give us a call if you have any questions or if you need to book an appointment.
