How COVID-19 Can Impact Your Oral Health

The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic are far-reaching and having an impact on nearly all aspects of life. When it comes to your oral health, the stay-at-home orders around the country are likely limiting your ability to receive routine dental care.

At Southern California General & Cosmetic Dentistry, located in Long Beach, California, Ryan J. Fait, DDS and his dental team understand you may have concerns about the virus and your dental appointments. They offer some insight into how to maintain good oral health and what you should do in a dental emergency during these trying times.

Dentistry staff can provide urgent care services for issues like:

Jaw pain
Broken or lost teeth
Uncontrolled bleeding
Persistent swelling and pain
Infections

If Dr. Fait determines you need in-office care, he and his staff will ensure your safety. They provide you with information you need to arrive to the office prepared, such as wearing a face mask and checking your temperature before your appointment.

As an extra precaution, they have taken great lengths to ensure the heath and safety of staff and patients by adding N95s, face shields, 1.5% Hydrogen Peroxide rinses to kill COVID-19, and a Hospital-Grade HEPA filtration that removes viruses and microbes including COVID-19

Current COVID-19 guidelines for dentists

The American Dental Association (ADA) is recommending that all dental professionals provide dental care in emergency situations only to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to dental staff and other patients.

Social distancing guidelines are strictly followed by the staff at Southern California General & Cosmetic Dentistry and we are closely monitoring the situation daily.

You should continue to stay at home and follow the current California guidelines for social distancing. This means waiting for elective dental work, including routine exams and cleanings, until the state gives the go-ahead to resume normal business operations.

However, if you are experiencing a dental emergency, contact our office to discuss your options with Dr. Fait and the team.

What constitutes a dental emergency

There are several types of dental emergencies that may require immediate treatment. The Southern California General & Cosmetic Dentistry staff can provide urgent care services for issues like:

Jaw pain
Broken or lost teeth
Uncontrolled bleeding
Persistent swelling and pain
Infections

Caring for your oral health when you’re feeling ill

If you’re sick with the flu or COVID-19, it can be difficult to brush your teeth and care for your oral health. Often people who experience persistent nausea can’t tolerate brushing or oral rinses. Do your best to brush every day, even if you only use water until you can resume using toothpaste. Be sure to floss after meals to reduce your risk for cavities.

Other tips for caring for your oral health when sick include:

Don’t share toothbrushes

Viruses can live on surfaces for several days and sharing a toothbrush can easily spread the virus to others. Keep your toothbrush separate from non-sick family members and replace it every few days.

Rinse your mouth

If you’re vomiting frequently, brushing your teeth right away can spread acid around your mouth. Instead, use a water rinse to dilute acid and wait at least 30 minutes before brushing.

Drink lots of fluids

It’s important to stay hydrated at all times, especially when you're sick. Drinking water throughout the day can prevent the discomfort of dry mouth, a condition that increases your risk for cavities.

Opt for sugar-free

If you’re using cough drops or other medications to ease your symptoms, choose sugar-free varieties to help prevent cavities.

By practicing proper oral hygiene daily, you can protect your mouth and teeth. The team at Southern California General & Cosmetic Dentistry will continue to follow recommendations of the state of California and the American Dental Association before resuming standard office activities to ensure the safety of every patient.

As part of our continuing effort to flatten the curve, the office of Dr. Fait has established a new in office protocol. This includes:

no walk-ins,
taking temperatures, one patient in office at a time,
pre rinse each patient with 1.5% hydrogen peroxide, and
thorough disinfection process between patients,

As mentioned, staff wear N95 face masks at all times while in the office to lower overall risk. If you have a dental emergency, call Southern California General & Cosmetic Dentistry or request more information through the online booking feature. For your convenience, we’re available Monday through Friday from 9 am to 3 pm for your dental emergencies.