{"id":979,"date":"2020-08-24T20:34:32","date_gmt":"2020-08-24T20:34:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lehighvalleydentalhealth.com\/blog\/?p=979"},"modified":"2020-08-24T20:34:34","modified_gmt":"2020-08-24T20:34:34","slug":"dentist-in-lehigh-valley-shares-importance-of-routine-dental-visits","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lehighvalleydentalhealth.com\/blog\/dentist-in-lehigh-valley-shares-importance-of-routine-dental-visits\/","title":{"rendered":"4 Reasons You Shouldn\u2019t Delay Your Dental Care During COVID-19"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"Dentist<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

When the pandemic hit, the world as we knew it changed. In a few weeks, stay-at-home orders were issued, face masks were routine, and social distancing guidelines were in place. Fortunately, these measures have made the transition out of quarantine and into our \u201cnew normal\u201d possible. However, many patients wonder whether continuing to delay their routine visits to the dentist is the sensible thing to do. If you have asked yourself the same question, then your dentist in Lehigh Valley<\/a> is sharing four reasons you should reconsider.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Reason #1: Oral Cancer Screenings (and Other Non-Dental Issues)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A brief look in your mouth can give your dentist great insight into what is going on in the rest of your body. In fact, 90% of health conditions have oral symptoms! That is why your dental team dedicates time during your routine visit to conduct screenings for oral cancer, diabetes, HIV, and osteoporosis (to name a few!). Without these routine visits, these non-dental issues could easily fly under the radar and prevent you from getting the early intervention and treatment you need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reason #2: Routine Visits Help Prevent Dental Emergencies<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

At a moment\u2019s notice, your day can be ruined by a knocked-out, cracked, or chipped tooth. While accidents can happen to anyone, patients who visit their dentist on a bi-yearly basis have the added protection of routine exams and cleanings. By detecting and treating dental issues when they are small and removing your teeth from stubborn plaque and tartar, your dental team can keep your teeth and gums in tip-top shape. In fact, the Coalition on Oral Health reported that every dollar invested in preventive dental care saves patients between $8 and $50 in restorative treatment down the line!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reason #3: Your Dentist Is an Expert in Infection Control<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

For patients considering postponing their routine visits, one word is at the forefront of their mind: Coronavirus. However, you can have peace of mind at your appointment knowing that your dental team takes extensive measures to practice proper infection control and prevent cross-contamination. In fact, a large portion of their schooling and advanced training was centered around just that! So, your dentist has an advantage when it comes to keeping you safe at your appointment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reason #4: Additional Safety Measures Are in Place<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As if the already high standards from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention weren\u2019t enough, dental teams across the U.S. are implementing additional measures in light of the current pandemic. Therefore, expect to see the below safety protocols in place at your next visit:<\/p>\n\n\n\n