Dealing with dentistry during the COVID-19 pandemic
These days, everyone is familiar with the recommendation of washing your hands for 20 seconds each time. Another recommendation, which may not be on the top of everyone’s list at the moment, is brushing your teeth for 120 seconds, twice a day.
Maintaining good oral hygiene, which includes regular visits to the dentist, goes a long way to preventing health problems in the future.
Those dental visits, however, are now temporarily on hold after the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario recommended in March that all nonessential dental services such as checkups and cleanings be suspended until further notice in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Emergency dental care, however, is considered an essential service and dentists continue to treat patients with urgent care issues such as trauma, significant infection, prolonged bleeding and pain that can no be managed using over-the-counter painkillers.
“There are specific guidelines on what we can treat and what we can’t treat,” said Dr. Ernie Philpott, of Falls Family Dental in Niagara Falls.
Philpott is triaging patients over the phone or via text to determine if a dental issue can be treated pharmaceutically until the office is able to reopen.
If a patient does require inoffice treatment, staff wear appropriate personal protection equipment including face shields and fitted N95 masks.
Philpott warned people not to become complacent about oral health.
“Now, more than ever, you should listen to what we’re saying about brushing and flossing because those are the two major things that are actually going to prevent problems for you,” he said.
“A lot of problems we’re seeing now are gum-related. People are getting gum infections because they’re not taking care of their teeth.”
He also recommended people keep an eye on their food choices and try to curb increased snacking.
“Watch those foods that fracture teeth most frequently, such as almonds and popcorn kernels,” he said. “The shape and hardness of them make them perfect foods to split already weakened teeth.”
Any “inkling” of a dental issue, Philpott added, warrants a call to the dentist.
The Ontario Dental Association agrees.
“Small dental problems can turn into big dental problems,” said Dr. Kim Hansen, president of the ODA.
Patients should call their dentist first if they have a dental issue. Dentists will assess the situation and offer advice about next steps. The public is advised not to go to a hospital emergency room for a dental problem.
Hansen said practising good oral hygiene is the best way to avoid any dental problems.
“Brushing and using floss or dental picks to remove debris from between the teeth is important. Not only will debris cause the gums to bleed, and may lead to cavities, but it also causes an inflammatory response in the body and, right now, we all want our immune systems to be highly-tuned to deal with the pandemic.” Kamatovic Orthodontics, which has offices in Niagara Falls and St. Catharines, continues to provide emergency treatment but has postponed all non-emergent appointments.
Staff have been keeping in touch with patients over the phone as well as on various online platforms.
“Communication with our patients is always a priority,” said Dr. Michael Kamatovic.
“While everyone is aware of the government regulations, some have had questions about this relates specifically to their treatment. We have been on the phones communicating, providing updates and guidelines on our website and social media platforms and talking with patients through our virtual meeting portal.”
The orthodontist said COVID-19 has “presented challenges for all of us,” and he expects patients are eager to return to the office to resume their treatment.
Meanwhile, many dentists across the province donated their personal protection equipment to health-care systems and front-line workers after their clinics were shuttered.
The Ontario Dental Association is now reaching out to all levels of government to make sure dentists have access to PPE supplies once restrictions are lifted.
To help avoid getting into a dental emergency situation, the association recommends the following:
Brush your teeth. You know you have to wash your hands for at least 20 seconds throughout the day, but you only need to brush your teeth for 120 seconds, twice a day.
Floss is boss. Flossing daily helps remove food debris and bacteria from places your toothbrush can’t reach. It also helps prevent inflammation of the gums, which can affect the immune system.
Be mindful of stress. Regular exercise, meditation and deep breathing can help reduce the negative impact of stress on your mouth and immune system. It can also help if you’re grinding your teeth.
Eat a balanced diet. Eating as much vitamin-rich food and fresh vegetation every day isn’t just great for your teeth, it’s good for your overall health and well-being.
Snack in moderation. Try to stick to healthy snacks and always swish with water after eating to help wash away sugar and acid. Chew sugarless gum to help stimulate saliva flow and avoid dry mouth.
Easy on the alcohol. Wine, beer, champagne and mixed drinks can be high in sugar and the carbonation and acid in them can damage your enamel. Plus, chewing on ice cubes can break your teeth.