The Importance of Keeping Your Routine Dental Appointments During COVID-19

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, we've all heard time and time again how the best thing we can do to slow the spread of the virus is wear face masks anytime we leave our homes to go out in public. It follows then that attending a dental check-up, where not only can you not wear a mask, but where your mouth will be held wide open for an extended period of time with another person in very close proximity to you, may seem counterintuitive. While each of us needs to assess our own comfort and risk levels for leaving the house, data has shown dental offices to be one of the least likely places for the disease to be transmitted. Here at Kenneth R. Banas DDS, we take every possible precaution for the well-being of our patients. If you are on the fence about whether or not to keep up with your routine dental care visits at this time, read on to learn about why you should.

All the reasons you normally go to the dentist every 6 to 12 months for a teeth cleaning still exist during the pandemic. These hygiene appointments help prevent gum disease and detect any other possible oral health issues early on. Dentists are discovering, however, that for certain patients, COVID-19 has indirectly caused some unique dental concerns. For example, many people have had a particularly difficult and stressful year. Accordingly, the rates of stress-related problems such as jaw clenching and teeth grinding have risen dramatically. If left unaddressed, these behaviors can develop into more severe issues, including chipped teeth, headaches from jaw soreness, gum inflammation, and more. Another concern is reduced brushing and flossing. Quality self care routines have slipped many people by throughout the course of the pandemic, leading to poorer oral hygiene and a greater likelihood of cavities. If you've been under a higher level of stress or are not brushing as frequently, it's all the more important to visit your dentist for a check-up.

Contact the staff here at Kenneth R. Banas to schedule a dental appointment you can feel good about in the Buffalo and Orchard Park, NY area!