Do you feel nervous about returning to see your dentist right now? Do you worry that your need for dental cleanings will result in possibly contracting COVID-19? Your dentist understands your concerns, which is why new health and safety protocols are being implemented to reduce the risk of contamination and potential transmission of harmful bacteria and viruses. If you have yet to see your dental professional in 2020, why not spend some time learning why it’s important to undergo a regular checkup and cleaning now instead of waiting until the end of the year.
The Importance of Regular Dental Checkups and Cleanings
Your dentist recommends scheduling regular dental checkups and cleanings every six months. Most dental insurance companies design their plans in a way that encourages preventive care, which is why many agree to cover anywhere from 80-100% of the cost for these visits. Having your teeth and gums cleaned twice a year is one of the most effective ways to combat tooth decay, gum disease, bad breath, and even oral cancer.
COVID-19 has caused many individuals to miss out on one visit this year already, and with only 5 months left before the end of the year, it is best if you schedule an appointment now to avoid potential problems in the future.
By allowing your dentist to examine and clean your smile every six months, you are not only taking a proactive approach to maintaining a healthier smile, but you’re also doing your party to keep your immune system strong. This not only reduces your risk for illness and contracting the COVID-19 virus, but it also helps to better protect those around you.
Why You Shouldn’t Wait
Your dentist knows you may be a bit apprehensive about your upcoming visit, which is why he and his team are going above and beyond to increase sanitation efforts, wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), and even pre-screen each patient and staff member when arriving at the office.
All of these measures are designed to ensure a healthy and safe environment for you to enter into when you arrive for your appointment. But should you opt to wait until COVID-19 becomes less of a threat, you could be putting yourself at a greater risk for some of the most common oral health problems, many of which can lead to bone and tooth loss as well as heart disease, diabetes, respiratory disease, and neurological disorders (i.e. Alzheimer’s or Dementia).
Waiting until the end of the year to receive a dental checkup and cleaning can also cause you to lose out on many of your dental benefits, which also means losing valuable money. If you forgo seeing your dentist until later in the year, and they discover a serious problem, you may not be able to seek treatment before the end of 2020. This means you will pay more out of pocket by having the procedure completed in 2021 because you’ve yet to meet your deductible.
The point is that if you want to save money, avoid losing valuable benefits, and most importantly, keep your oral health in check, you won’t wait to schedule your dentist’s appointment for 2020. If you are concerned about the health and safety measures your dentist is taking, speak to a member of the team who can further explain what you can expect when you arrive.
About the Author
Unsure about visiting the dentist because of COVID-19? Dr. L. Blaine Kennington understands the uncertainty that comes with returning to the dentist’s office during this difficult time. However, with additional safety protocols in place, he and his team at Cowlitz River Dental are prepared and ready to take care of your smile in a healthy and fully sanitized environment. Not only does he not want you to forgo a regular dental checkup and cleaning because of the possible problems that can arise later on, but he also wants to ensure you avoid developing health-related conditions that can be caused by oral health neglect. If you would like to know more about what steps Dr. Kennington is taking to keep everyone safe, visit our website or call (360) 703-9092.