Should You Go to the Dentist During COVID-19?

Studies have warned against the potential impact of people not seeing their dentist during the coronavirus pandemic. It is estimated that people’s dental health will deteriorate because people are unsure whether visiting the dentist is safe.

So what are the rules about visiting the dentist during the Covid-19 pandemic? And if you feel it is too big a risk, how can you maintain good dental hygiene from home?

Keep reading for our guide to visiting the dentist in 2021, and how clear aligners can help you look after your teeth without a dentist appointment.

What Are the Safety Measures in Place?

Dental offices across the United States have put a host of measures in place to stop the spread of the virus. It is also worth bearing in mind that, as medical treatment sites, they are hygienic even in normal times.

Safety measures in dentists differ across the country, according to local rules and rates of infection. Most dental clinics will require you to wear a mask while waiting for your appointment. In some places, you will also be required to have your temperature taken before entering the building.

In the early stages of the pandemic, it was anticipated that dental facilities would be a hotspot for transmission of the virus. However, fewer than 1% of dentists were found to be Covid-19 positive in a recent study.

This is likely thanks to the preventative measures standard across many dental practices.

There are several other commonplace precautions that have been introduced. First, many dental patients will now be required to use a mouthwash before their procedure. Iodine is also being used to wipe down surfaces and even in air diffusers.

Finally, dentists are using enhanced protective equipment to ensure their own safety.

When Should You Not Go to the Dentist?

Despite the many safety measures in place, there are certain occasions when it is best to avoid the dentist during the pandemic. The most obvious reason not to go is if you have received a positive test result for Covid 19.

However, this is also the case if you are living with someone who has tested positive. If you are completing a period of quarantine after traveling abroad, it is advised to wait until the quarantine period is over before visiting the dentist.

The exception to this is for dental emergencies. This would include serious tooth pain, broken teeth, signs of infection, and excessive bleeding.

It’s worth remembering that there are several dental procedures that do not require a visit to the dentist, such as teeth straightening. Unlike Invisalign which requires a dental appointment, Alignerco provides invisible orthodontic aligners which you can order from the comfort of your home.

Invisible aligners are a kind of cheap braces that are super clear retainers. They are a great option for anyone wanting to straighten their teeth but feeling self-conscious about wearing traditional wires.

Thanks to Alignerco’s impression kit, you can carry out a dental impression at home without having to visit the dentist.

What Are the Consequences of Not Visiting the Dentist?

While during the pandemic it is important to consider whether interactions with other people are strictly necessary, in certain situations it is crucial to visit the dentist. This is often to prevent further damage to your teeth or for dental emergencies.

For example, swollen gums might appear as a mild symptom. However, in some cases, this is caused by gingivitis. This in turn can lead to periodontitis and even tooth loss.

It is also important to see your dentist regularly in the long term. Dentists can pick up on minor dental problems you haven’t noticed, such as missing an area when brushing your teeth.

If you have a specific concern, why not call your dentist to discuss the issue before making an appointment. They will be able to advise whether a visit is needed, or if it is safe to wait until the pandemic crisis has passed.

How Can You Care for Your Teeth From Home?

There are several steps you can take to ensure great dental hygiene if you don’t feel safe visiting the dentist in person. The most important thing is to regularly brush and floss your teeth.

This means brushing for two minutes twice a day and flossing thoroughly once a day.

Thinking about what you are eating and drinking is also crucial. Try to limit how much sugary foods and energy drinks you consume. A great tip is to drink a glass of water afterward, to flush out any remaining acids.

If you’re looking for better-aligned teeth, it’s also possible to carry out teeth straightening at home. Thanks to invisible aligners, you can save a huge amount of money compared to orthodontist costs.

These clear braces are a great way to boost your confidence and get a straighter smile. It takes between 6 months and a year to complete the teeth straightening process with invisible aligners.

Try Teeth Straightening at Home With Alignerco

Having explained that it is still important to go to the dentist for emergencies, we have also covered how to take good care of your teeth without leaving the house. It is especially important not to attend a regular dental check-up if you might be infected with the virus.

Remember there are many ways to take care of your teeth without visiting a dentist, such as with invisible aligners at home.

Regardless of whether you decide to visit your dentist, there is one way to get a beautiful smile at home. ALIGNERCO’s invisible braces can be the solution you need for perfectly straight teeth. Get started with a short free assessment to see if you are eligible for them!

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