Why You Should Not Avoid Going To The Dentist During COVID-19

Your dentist is an important part of your regular health regimen and a regularly scheduled appointment should rarely, if ever, be pushed back. Despite COVID-19 restrictions being loosened across much of Australia, many people are still putting off visiting their dentist due to ongoing fears of healthcare professionals. There are myriad reasons why this doesn't make sense, but at the same time, it is understandable that people are apprehensive considering how dangerous COVID-19 can be. However, there is little to worry about. Here are a few reasons why, if it is allowed by your state or territory government, you should still be making all your appointments to your dentist.

Safety Procedures Put In Place

Every dentist has put in place all the necessary procedures to comply with federal and state rules regarding social distancing and safety during COVID-19. While this might mean a slightly longer wait time or having to wait in your car before you are called in, this is for everyone's benefit and also means that the chance of you contracting anything, let alone COVID-19, is very, very low. There is also an increased amount of cleaning going on at every practice, just to ensure that everything that can be done is being done to stop the spread of COVID-19.

The Longer You Wait The More Problems Arise

Not going to the dentist is not the same as putting off a trip to the physio or similar, additional health services. A regular trip to the dentist is so important because your teeth and gums need to be monitored for cavities, loss of structural stability, gingivitis, cracking and more. If you can't prevent these problems, they can become far more dangerous in the long term and even infect the bone underneath your gums. They can also be virtually impossible to spot on your own, which is why you need to seek professional care as often as you can. 

Tooth Pain Can Be Severe With No Other Solution

Your teeth are the primary way you interact with food and drink, which makes them extremely important to your overall health. If you are avoiding eating because your teeth hurt or feel strange, then you are actively restricting your diet for a reason that could be easily fixed. There is never a good reason to put up with tooth pain, and missing a scheduled appointment often means that it can be a few weeks at least before you can be re-booked in. That time can be excruciating, and over the counter pain killers can only do so much.

For more information, contact a dentist today.