Maybe you’ve never liked going to the dentist and have used the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic as a reason to avoid it. Or perhaps you would normally go to the dentist, but are concerned that doing so would put you at increased risk of catching or spreading COVID-19.

Even as dentist’s offices have reopened across the country, you might still be wondering if going to the dentist right now really is safe.

In this blog post, we’ll review what we’re doing here at Batchelor Dentistry to keep you safe, plus a few of the reasons why it’s important to still see a dentist — even during a pandemic.

Is it safe to go to the dentist during the COVID-19 pandemic?

We understand the thought of making unnecessary trips outside of the house might seem a little daunting during these times, but it’s important to note that the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), American Dental Association (ADA), and Virginia Department of Health (VDH) have all cleared dentist’s offices to open and provide service, with careful precautions in place.

When visiting the dentist, there is an increased risk of contracting or spreading COVID-19 because of the way it is transmitted. COVID-19 is spread through respiratory droplets, like those produced when we talk, cough, or sneeze. Because you won’t have a mask on while the dentist is working, both of you and their team run the risk of being exposed to the virus.

We know that visiting the dentist’s office during this time is a personal choice with a lot to weigh. But it’s a good idea to keep in mind that dentists have a long list of guidelines outlined by the ADA and CDC to maintain patient and team safety when providing services.

Additionally, the most recent data shows that fewer than 1% of dentists have contracted COVID-19. And the American Dental Association notes that according to the CDC, there has been no documented transmission of COVID-19 in a clinical dental setting!

This makes sense considering that preventing and treating infections in the mouth and body are a key aspect of what every dentist does. Even before the pandemic, dentists and their staff were already trained in how to work safely and prevent contamination and the spread of illness.

What we’re doing to keep you safe

Here at Batchelor Dentistry, patient safety is, and always has been, our top priority. We are strictly following all guidelines put forth by the American Dental Association (ADA), the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and the Virginia Department of Health (VDH). These precautions include:

Asking screening questions, taking temperatures, and reviewing symptoms with all patients before they come in for their appointment
Requiring masks and hand sanitizer before beginning the appointment
Staggering appointments to limit the number of people in the building at all times
Wearing enhanced PPE
Accepting payment by phone and online
Disinfecting exam rooms between patients
Using a medical-grade UV-C air filtration system throughout the office

Read more about our current COVID-19 safety precautions and what we’re doing to keep you safe.

Why you should still see a dentist during the pandemic

Reason 1: Your oral health impacts your overall health

If you develop a cavity, gum disease, or any other dental issue, it can impact more than just your dental health. The mouth has long been thought to be a window into a person’s overall health, impacting your heart, brain, lungs, and more.

But how can this be? We’re glad you asked.

Exploring “good” vs. “bad” bacteria

To understand the connection between oral health and overall health, it’s important to know that the mouth is, at all times, teeming with bacteria. In fact, researchers have found more than 700 different strains of bacteria in the mouth! And even though the average person has 30-40 different strains, that’s still a lot of bacteria.

This might sound gross, but actually, a lot of the bacteria found in our mouths is considered “good” bacteria, helping us break down food and beverages and protect our teeth. But then there’s the “bad” bacteria — the kind that causes tooth decay and gum disease, inviting dental problems and health risks later on.

Health conditions linked with poor oral health

Studies show that poor oral health is linked to a number of serious health problems, including:

Heart disease
Diabetes
Alzheimer’s
Stroke
Arthritis

Although it isn’t entirely clear how exactly this works, researchers believe the “bad” bacteria in the mouth can escape into the bloodstream and end up in other parts of the body, where it causes inflammation and other problems.

Because of this, poor oral hygiene can also cause a weakened immune system, as the body works to fight off the “bad” bacteria in different parts of the body.

Reason 2: Prevention is key

One of the most important parts of maintaining good oral health is prevention. Preventative dentistry focuses on stopping the problem before it starts, or catching and treating the problem as soon as possible. This is accomplished through regular 6-month dental exams, routine teeth cleanings and dental x-rays, as well as good oral hygiene habits.

Preventative dentistry helps you to evade or lessen the effects of serious dental problems. Here’s how:

Lowers your chance of developing cavities, gum disease, worn enamel, and more
Allows for early identification for dental problems, leading to faster, and often cheaper, treatment
Encourages healthy oral hygiene habits at home

Maintaining good oral hygiene also reduces your risk of developing some of the health problems discussed above by keeping the “bad” bacteria in the mouth under control.

Reason 3: Some dental problems lead to respiratory issues

Studies have shown there is a strong connection between people with respiratory disease and periodontitis (an advanced stage of gum disease).

Periodontitis is a severe infection of the gum tissue surrounding the teeth. It occurs when an excessive amount of harmful bacteria develops in the gums, causing them to begin to pull away and eventually loosen from the teeth.

This connection between periodontitis and respiratory disease is thought to be because there is a clear pathway from the mouth to the lungs. The pathway allows bacteria to travel from the mouth into the lungs, sometimes causing inflammation or infection.

According to the CDC, nearly 50% of adults over the age of 30 have some form of periodontal disease (the early stage of periodontitis). Maintaining regular dental exams can reduce your chance of developing gum disease, or of it worsening without treatment.

Keeping your mouth healthy during the pandemic

On top of prevention, developing good oral hygiene habits are one of the easiest ways to keep your mouth (and yourself) healthy. We recommend the following basic oral hygiene routine:

Brush your teeth with a fluoride toothpaste twice per day, for at least 2 minutes
Floss at least once daily
Try using a mouthwash
Maintain a balanced diet
Avoid sugary and acidic beverages
Stop smoking

This combination of things helps fight off plaque, gingivitis, and tooth decay by removing bacteria from the teeth and gums and reducing the amount of bacteria in the mouth.

Contact us to set up your next appointment

We know that these times are uncertain. But our team here at Batchelor Dentistry is committed to providing the best and safest dental services possible to you and our Harrisonburg community.

Contact us today to set up your appointment with Batchelor Dentistry, or call us at (540) 432-9992 with questions about our services or COVID-19 procedures.

Is it Safe to Go to the Dentist During Coronavirus?