Depending on the state you are living in, your dentist or dental hygienist may only be able to receive emergency patients or may simply not seeing patients at all. In Colorado, dental care is defined as part of the critical businesses. However, Broomfield dental care must abide by social distancing and other measures outlined by the CDC guidelines for dentists to protect their patients.
Here are some tips on what you can do to stay safe as you visit your dental hygienist during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Postpone Non-Urgent or Elective Dental Work
If you are looking to have your regular cleaning or a teeth whitening, your dentist or dental hygienist may have already rescheduled or postponed it. While this regular dental care is important, to conserve the PPE (personal protective equipment) during this time. Therefore, unless you have a dental emergency, such as a crown falling off, a chipped tooth, or abscess, then you should probably put off any other appointments.
If you are unsure if your dental needs qualify as an emergency, then get in contact with your dentist, as they can make a qualified decision about how best to address your needs safely.
Maintain Social Distancing
When stay at home orders are being lifted, the social distancing may still be a critical part of reducing the spread of COVID-19. Therefore, when you go to your dental hygienist, avoid sitting right next to other patients and give space to staff members. Additionally, wash your hands frequently, both before your dental procedure and afterwards. Use hand sanitizer if available.
Stay Home If You Are Sick
Even once the stay at home orders are lifted, it is still important that you avoid spreading any germs. That means staying home if you are sick, especially if you have a cough, shortness of breath, or other symptoms. Doing so will reduce the spread of COVID-19 and other illnesses as well.
Make Your Dental Hygienist Aware of Your COVID-19 Status
If you need to have emergency dental care and you have been exposed or shown symptoms of COVID-19, make your dentist or dental hygienist aware of that. They will use procedures outlined by the CDC to allow for your care while protecting their staff and other patients.
If you have a confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis, you are encouraged to self-isolate. If it is necessary to visit a medical professional, make sure they know your status and can make accommodations to limit your contact with others.
Maintain Your Dental Routine
Even if you cannot go to your dentist or dental hygienist, it is still important to maintain your dental care routine. That means regularly using floss, brushing your teeth twice a day, and making efforts to prevent plaque and tarter. Doing so can contribute in a positive way to your overall health.
Our team at SmileLogic is doing our part to make sure that our patients are well-cared for during the COVID-19 pandemic. All our patients are encouraged to remain home if sick, and we can reschedule anytime. Additionally, if you have questions about how we are disinfecting or maintaining our offices to keep our patients safe, contact us. We are ready to help care for your dental needs.