Date Archives September 2021

How to handle dental emergencies during COVID-19

read Adult Oral Health, Lifestyle, Senior Oral Health
Dental emergencies can be just as frightening as any other medical emergency, especially during a pandemic. To feel more calm and in control, learn how to handle a dental emergency during COVID-19.

Just like any other part of the body, mouths are subject to accidents. Sometimes the injury can be as minor as biting your tongue, but other times, it’s more serious and requires professional care.

By educating ourselves on how to handle a dental emergency during a pandemic, we can remain calm and in control. Pain and stress can cause trouble thinking clearly. Educate yourself before you’re in the midst of a dental emergency for the best possible outcome.

Dental Visits During a Pandemic

Most dental offices are open and taking appointments for not only routine dental care, such as cleanings and X-rays, but also for all other dental services. Keep in mind that with the added diligence that dental offices must undergo right now to keep you and the office staff safe (e.g. regular office cleanings, COVID-19 screenings), your dentist is likely not able to see as many patients in a day as in “normal” conditions. There may be added wait time to be seen, so plan accordingly. But if you are experiencing a more severe issue, you should definitely call your dentist to check if you can be seen sooner.

The ADA recommends that you contact your dentist at this time if you experience:

  • Bleeding that doesn’t stop
  • Painful swelling in or around your mouth
  • Pain in a tooth, teeth, or jawbone
  • Gum infection with pain or swelling
  • After surgery treatment (dressing change, stitch removal)
  • Broken or knocked out tooth
  • Denture adjustment for people receiving treatment for cancer
  • Snipping or adjusting wire of braces that hurts your check or gums
  • Biopsy of abnormal tissue

Most dental offices are open for regular business, but there is still a chance your dentist’s office could be closed or on a reduced schedule. Always call ahead first.

Knock out a tooth? Act fast to save it.

How COVID-19 impacts oral health

read Adult Oral Health, Children's Oral Health, Dental Trends, Lifestyle
See how symptoms of COVID-19 can impact oral health.

The pandemic has given us a lot to consider when it comes to COVID-19 and our health. One aspect that you may not be familiar with is how the novel coronavirus impacts oral health.

Individuals who contract the virus, whether asymptomatic or otherwise, have a lot on their mind without considering their oral health. But there’s a trickle-down effect that can cause tooth damage, and the more you know, the more you can protect your oral and overall health. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control there are quite a few symptoms of COVID-19, but a cough, sore throat, and shortness of breath in particular can lead to oral health issues or exacerbation of existing problems.

A persistent cough can lead to dry mouth, which on its own can seem insignificant. The trouble with this is that the lack of saliva in the mouth serving as a moistening and cleaning agent prevents cavity-causing bacteria from being washed away. This lack of saliva not only makes it easier for food debris to stay lodged in the teeth, but it also makes us more vulnerable to gum disease.

Dry mouth can also lead to a sore throat or make an existing one worse. Most people use cough drops and syrups to alleviate sore throats and coughs. What many don’t stop to consider is what exactly is in their go-to remedy prior to seeking quick relief. Many cough drops and syrups contain sugar to mask the taste of the medicine. Although this makes them tastier, it also introduces an additional avenue for tooth decay into the mix. When left on teeth, sugar can begin to eat away at the enamel, increasing our risk for cavities. 

The good news is that we can mitigate the use of cough drops and syrups by brushing our teeth. If you don’t have time, at least rinse your mouth with water. Many brands produce sugar-free options, which provide the hygiene purpose without the added sugar.

Inhalers are another solution for coughs and shortness of breath. Did you know that failing to clean your mouth after using an inhaler can lead to oral health implications such as oral thrush? Symptoms of oral thrush include an unpleasant taste or even the loss of taste altogether, a burning sensation, redness in your mouth, and even white patches. 

Just like with cough drops and syrups, it’s important to brush your teeth after use an inhaler, or at least rinse your mouth with water. This will help remove any leftover medicine.

While none of these oral health implications are life threatening, they can develop into larger issues if left untreated. If you’re still concerned about your oral health after properly handling a coronavirus situation, reach out to your dentist to discuss your health history and options for treatment.

To find a dentist in your area, click here.