{"id":249,"date":"2020-07-03T12:48:39","date_gmt":"2020-07-03T12:48:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.arlingtondentalimplants.com\/blog\/?p=249"},"modified":"2020-07-27T12:50:07","modified_gmt":"2020-07-27T12:50:07","slug":"dentist-and-why-you-shouldnt-put-off-your-appointment-because-of-covid-19","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.arlingtondentalimplants.com\/blog\/2020\/07\/03\/dentist-and-why-you-shouldnt-put-off-your-appointment-because-of-covid-19\/","title":{"rendered":"Why You Should See Your Dentist During the COVID-19 Pandemic"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"a<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

For some people, money, fear, naivety, and even an apathetic mindset will keep them from seeing a dentist twice a year. Add on a global pandemic, and you will find more and more individuals skipping out on their dental exam and cleaning altogether. Unfortunately, this decision to avoid regular visits, even amidst the current crisis, can lead to unnecessary and costly dental procedures in the future. To ensure this doesn\u2019t happen to you, learn why it\u2019s best to keep seeing your dentist during this time and how you can do it safely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Why You Should Keep Your Regular Appointment<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Since dental offices began reopening in May 2020, dentists have started implementing additional safety protocols to keep everyone better protected against COVID-19. From increased sanitation efforts to wearing personal protective equipment (PPE), dental professionals are doing everything possible to avoid contamination and possible transmission of harmful bacteria and viruses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Understandably, most patients like yourself may be hesitant to return for a regular dental checkup and cleaning during this time; however, there are negative consequences by putting off your six-month visits. Not only are you putting yourself at risk for developing tooth decay, gum disease, and other potentially dangerous dental problems (i.e. oral cancer), but you\u2019re also putting your overall health at risk should an infection spread from your mouth to another area of your body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are concerned about an upcoming visit, there are various steps you can take to ensure your oral health is in good shape and help your dentist maintain a clean and safe environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ways to Stay Safe at the Dentist\u2019s Office<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In addition to thorough office cleanings and wearing appropriate PPE, you will be pleased to learn that your dentist is not working under the assumption of \u201cbusiness as usual.\u201d Instead, you will find they are actually seeing fewer patients each day and taking steps to minimize as much contact between patients and staff as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want greater peace of mind when visiting the dentist, make sure to do the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n