Every parent wants the best of everything for their child. This applies even in dental care in the middle of a pandemic.
Dental problems are likely to happen while the whole family is quarantined at home. Your child may get their tooth knocked out from playing ball. He may experience a searing toothache and lose his appetite.
Your kid’s oral health can impact their overall wellbeing. It’s also necessary for them to maintain healthy teeth and gums so they can eat well and get proper nutrition every day.
It’s normal to feel hesitant about visiting the dentist with the coronavirus still at large. However, delaying treatment for dental issues might turn a minor problem into a serious health concern. To eliminate any worries you might have, here’s all you need to know about seeking dental care during the COVID-19 pandemic.
How Safe Is It to Visit the Dental Clinic?
As of writing this article, many dental clinics are open for services. Ontario dental practices are observing stricter health and safety guidelines compared to other provinces in Canada. These guidelines include wearing a complete set of personal protective equipment (PPE), keeping rooms vacant for at least 8 minutes before the next patient (depending on the procedure), and the installation of floor-to-ceiling doors and walls to completely seal off treatment rooms.
In case you need to go to the dentist for emergency care, here are some changes you will likely notice during your visit:
- Limited number of patients – Dental clinics are limiting the bookings they will accommodate at this point. This is to make way for the cleaning and disinfection of the treatment areas between appointments. Expect that your family dentist will now be catering to fewer numbers of patients each day.
- Parent-to-patient ratio – Your clinic may only allow 1 parent or guardian to accompany a child to their appointment. This is to prevent crowding in the dental office.
- Pre-appointment screening – Before you are allowed to enter, clinic staff will take your temperature and have you answer a questionnaire so they can get an insight into your medical history. People who’ve had COVID-19 or were recently exposed to an infected person may not be allowed to enter the clinic.
- Wearing of masks – As a basic protocol, all clinic staff will be wearing PPE which includes a face mask, face shield, gown, and protective eyewear. Parents or guardians and the children must also wear a mask.
Determining Dental Emergencies
There are different dental issues that fall under an emergency. Take your child to the dentist if they complain of any of the following:
- Pain
- Swelling
- Broken or chipped tooth
- Damaged retainers or braces
- Painful fillings
- Any other problem that keeps them from chewing or sleeping comfortably
Infants and toddlers may have difficulty describing their dental pain through words or identifying the exact area that’s causing discomfort. If you need to inspect their mouth to see the problem, use good lighting. Call your pediatric dentist right away to know how to address the issue. Ask your dentist for pain relief medication or if there’s any food your child needs to avoid to prevent their pain from worsening.
If your child is undergoing medical treatments like radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or some sort of transplant, you may need to address their dental problem immediately. Possible infections in their teeth (e.g. abscess or gum problems) might lead to complications if left untreated.
Keeping up With Routine Cleanings
Scheduled dental visits are essential, especially for children aged 3 to 5 years old. It’s between these years where kids experience rapid physical growth. As a result, their teeth come in and fall out. This phase requires close monitoring to ensure their dental health is in top shape.
Pediatric dentists can help your child have healthy teeth and gums during the crucial stages of their growth. They specialize in examining their teeth for signs of caries (decay or structural damage on teeth). Based on a thorough assessment, pediatric dentists can identify if your child is at risk of any dental problems (e.g. cavities or gum disease).
If previous dental exams showed that your child is not at risk of dental issues, missing 1 checkup is not a big deal. As soon as basic dental services are already allowed, make sure to book your child for their routine cleaning as soon as possible.
On the other hand, if your child is at risk of or experiencing dental issues, you may need to talk to check in with their dentist in time for their supposed cleaning schedule. Call their dentist by phone or do a video chat with them. If they allow visits, take your child to their clinic to address their concern.
Observe Proper Dental Hygiene at Home
With home quarantine measures in place, families now have more time together at home. You may not notice it, but there might be changes in your diet since the lockdown began. Diet changes can affect our dental health. Frequent snacking exposes the teeth to different substances, specifically sugar and salt, that can build up and damage the teeth.
Parents or guardians play a role in teaching children the importance of personal oral care. Always remind your child to brush their teeth after meals. Now, some parents might have trouble getting their kids to brush and floss. So here are some tips you can follow to help them build oral hygiene habits:
- Play your child’s favourite song as they brush. Ensure they brush for a full 2 minutes.
- Allow your child to pick a toothbrush and toothpaste they like.
- Set a good example by brushing your teeth together with them. Kids learn by watching people around them, especially their parents. They are more likely to imitate good behaviour when they see you model it to them.
- Build a positive attitude around visiting the dentist. Ideally, children should have their first trip to the dentist at 1 year old or when their first tooth grows. It’s important to create a pleasing experience during their first visit as this will set their entire disposition about dental appointments.
During their first visit, their dentist will introduce them to good oral care practices. You can also ask their dentist about proper nutrition for and emergency services available for future reference.
Be mindful about projecting fear or anxiety when in the clinic. Kids pick up on parents’ energy. As much as possible, display a good attitude when your child is around. This also helps establish their comfort, trust, and confidence toward dental appointments.
Parents and guardians should seek the advice of a children’s dentist they trust. Consult with your dentist to know whether your child’s dental concern requires immediate attention or if it can be postponed until the pandemic eases up.
When you need a pediatric dentist in or near Brampton, Springdale Dental Centre is at your service. Protect your child’s oral health with our complete dental services. Pandemic or no pandemic, your child’s dental wellness is our top priority. Call us at (905) 458-1212 to book an appointment.
