FAQs on dental health amid COVID-19: Queries and Solutions

It’s been months since COVID-19 took mankind by surprise. Healthcare professionals across the globe are still to find a cure for the virus. Amid the crisis, when people with prior health issues are scared of their lives, dental health has been sidelined. 

Patients with dental problems have a lot of questions to ask as well. When home quarantine seems to be the only option to stay safe, and COVID-19 is becoming the new normal, the queries related to dental issues such as bleeding gums, toothache, and other oral health concerns must not remain unanswered during the crisis.  

This article will try to address the queries related to dental health amid COVID-19 and their solutions. 

FAQs on Dental Health amid COVID-19

Q. Should you stop visiting your dentist for the ongoing treatment due to COVID-19?

Ans. This seems to be one of the most common queries among patients as lately almost everyone is scared of their health. It’s suggested that if the treatment is not necessary, you should avoid going not just to your dentist, but anywhere. 

Taking advice from your dentist over call or chat is recommended. 

However, if the treatment is unavoidable and your dentist recommends completing it, you must complete it. Take all the precautionary measures such as wearing a face mask and gloves while going out, avoid touching any unnecessary object and sanitize or wash your hands whenever and wherever required, at regular intervals, to avoid any kind of risk for the spread of COVID-19. 

Q. Would it be wise to visit your dentist at this time for the treatment because you are diagnosed with a lung infection before COVID-19? 

Ans. As we all are aware that COVID-19 attacks our respiratory system, it won’t be advisable to visit a dentist for oral treatment this time, especially if you had or still have a lung infection. It will only maximize your chances of exposure to the deadly virus. 

Stay on medication for the lung infection. If possible, ask your dentist to advise you over the phone. However, if the treatment cannot be avoided due to pain, bleeding, or any other medical reason, and you feel the need to visit your dentist, take an appointment and ask your dentist not to allot that particular time to any other patient to avoid unnecessary contact with the third person.

Q. You need to apply medicine to your gums every day as a part of your dental treatment but you have been suggested not to touch your face with your hands due to COVID-19!

Ans. First, being scared and taking extra precautions are two different things. You don’t have to be scared of the virus but taking all the required precautions is a smart step. If a treatment asks you to apply medicine to your gums, you should. However, wash your hands properly and sanitize yourself before you apply medicine. And, stay at home as much as possible!

Q. What should you do if you need urgent dental care and you are in self-isolation because you have one of many symptoms related to COVID-19?

Ans. In such a situation, you must call the COVID-19 helpline number as per your country/state, and make them aware of your query. They should be able to address your medical condition with an appropriate solution.  

Q. Should you consider buying oral products from the market like mouthwash, toothpaste, etc.?

Ans. It is advisable to buy only what you need! Do not stock anything. Second, instead of visiting supermarkets, it’s recommended that you purchase oral health products online. Leave the products unattended after receiving for a day if possible. 

Q. What should you do to prevent dental problems during COVID-19?

Ans. There are some general suggestions below to avoid dental problems during coronavirus. 

• Brush your teeth twice a day
• After every meal, use mouthwash to keep your breath fresh.
• Do not eat or drink anything that is too hot/cold.
• Keep your sugar intake low 
• Take an immunity booster diet 
• Don’t forget to massage your gums gently
• Workout/Yoga every day

Remember, oral hygiene is extremely crucial if you wish not to go out to visit a dentist during COVID-19. 

Q. Is COVID-19 aka Coronavirus curable?

Ans. Yes, it definitely is! If your immunity is strong and you exercise every day, there are high chances that the virus cannot make much of an impact on your health. As there is no medical cure for the virus yet, keeping yourself healthy and eating food that boosts your immunity is the only cure. 

General Suggestions for dental patients during COVID-19

• Do not visit your dentist without an appointment
• Visit alone if possible and arrive on time so that the time you spend at the dental office can be minimized. 
• If possible, ask your dentist for advice over a video call. Physical visits should be avoided.

Suggestions for dentists

• If you have opened your doors for patients, make sure the entire place is sanitized regularly.
• Do not call too many patients at a single time.
• Change the regular sitting settings in your waiting room for patients so that the required distance can be maintained to avoid any kind of exposure to COVID-19.
• From office boys to front office executives, every member should be wearing a precautionary medical kit. 
• The required dental tool kit must be cleaned/sanitized before every use.