DON’T PUT OFF YOUR ROUTINE DENTAL VISITS DUE TO COVID-19!

You have been spending a lot more time at home since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. You have been working away from the office, avoiding public outings when possible, and even rescheduling important events. As overwhelming as everything is, you shouldn’t be neglecting your oral health, especially during this time. The truth is that you can rest assured that you are safe while in the dental office. In fact, keeping up with your oral health can actually keep you from getting sick. Your dentist in Venice shares why you shouldn’t be putting off your appointments due to COVID-19.

Visiting Your Dentist is Essential for Your Whole Body

When you go into the dental office for a regular appointment, you have your teeth cleaned and polished. Your dentist also checks for cavities and early signs of gum disease and oral cancer. However, this isn’t all. Your dentist checks for other abnormalities that could indicate something serious going on. Oral health often indicates other issues in the body. In fact, it has been linked to various conditions like endocarditis, cardiovascular disease, pregnancy complications, pneumonia, diabetes, and osteoporosis.

Your Oral Health Affects Your Immune System

When your smile isn’t well taken care of through a good oral hygiene routine and regular dental visits, you will eventually have a buildup of bacteria that can lead to periodontal disease, which is an infection of the gums. When you have an infection in your mouth, you’ll need the help of both your dentist and the immune system in order to fight it off. Your immune system will do everything it can to keep you safe, but it can only do so many things at once. If it’s busy preventing fighting off bacteria in the mouth, you are more likely to get an infection somewhere else in the body and become sick.

Your Dentist’s Office is Safe

Both the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have reported that no confirmed COVID-19 cases have been linked back to the dental office. Your dentist in Venice has always been taking steps to prevent the spread of illnesses and infections in the office. In addition to regular safety precautions, here are just a few of the COVID-19 dental safety protocols that your dentist is now taking:

• Patients are asked to check-in from their car to reduce contact with other patients in the office.
• Masks and face coverings are required in the office.
• All patients will have their temperature taken upon entering the practice.
• Air purifiers have been installed in every treatment room.

Your dental team is doing everything they can to keep you safe so you can get the essential care you need. This way, you can rest assured that you are protected.

About the Practice

At Tarpon Shores Dental, Dr. R. Scott Thompson and Dr. Amy Valenti provide a wide array of services to their patients. Dr. Thompson earned his dental degree from the Emory University School of Dentistry and has been in private practice for three decades. Dr. Valenti attended the University of Florida College of Dentistry and is committed to expanding her knowledge through continuing education courses and professional affiliations. For more information on the new safety protocols or to schedule an appointment, visit their website or call (941) 451-5849.