Toothcare During The Holidays & COVID-19

Dentists and orthodontists are concerned that some patients are avoiding cleanings and adjustments due to the coronavirus pandemic, which could cause oral health problems in the months to come. And, with the holiday season on the horizon, when sweets and treats become more plentiful, it can lead to even more oral health issues. The experts at Creekwood Orthodontics share this information about what dentists and orthodontists are doing to protect you from coronavirus, as well as how to take care of your oral hygiene during the coronavirus pandemic and the holidays.

Protecting You During Your Dental or Orthodontic Visit

Dental and orthodontic practices are strictly following guidelines from both the American Dental Association (ADA) and the Center for Disease Control (CDC) by:

Limiting the number of appointments to reduce the number of people in the office at one time
Screening patients for symptoms and taking patient temperatures
Having people wait in their car instead of the waiting room
Requiring that patients wear masks
Wearing more protective equipment, including gowns, gloves, N95 masks, and face shields
Thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting treatment rooms between patients
Telling people to cancel their appointment if they are not feeling well

According to the CDC, there have not been any reports of coronavirus clusters due to dental and orthodontic care.

Maintaining Your Orthodontic Treatment

Orthodontic and dental care are not elective procedures but necessary to maintain your oral health. If you are undergoing orthodontic treatment with Invisalign or braces, you need to continue your appointments to stay on your treatment plan. Additionally, it is recommended that you see your dentist every three months for cleanings when undergoing orthodontic care, especially when wearing braces. Cleaning your teeth can be challenging when you have braces, so professional cleanings are essential to reduce the chance of tooth decay, and potentially, gum disease.

With the holiday season fast approaching, good professional oral hygiene is even more important. The holidays are a time when people tend to indulge in sweets, and while all that sugar is not good for anyone’s teeth, it can really wreak havoc on those undergoing orthodontic care. So keeping your dental cleaning appointments is essential.

You should also be even more diligent with your at-home oral hygiene by brushing and flossing at least twice per day and after you consume sweets.

Make an Appointment with Creekwood Orthodontics, Kansas City, MO

If you have any questions about dental and orthodontic care during the coronavirus pandemic and the holiday season or you would like to schedule an appointment, please contact us. We would be happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have. We want to assure you that we are taking every possible precaution to keep you safe while still ensuring that we are helping maintain your oral health.