Self-Isolation in a pandemic lockdown means we are all required to stay at home. And obey self-isolation. The world may have paused but our lives and bodies continue the same. During self-isolation, we must keep healthy and not miss the routines that keep us this way. Dental care is one of those things. Our teeth still need everyday care and dentists will see you for emergencies only. In this post, we’ll give you pediatric dental care during isolation tips so you can stay mouth healthy during self-isolation.

 

 

Pediatric Dental Care During Self-Isolation

 

Common Dental Emergencies

True dental emergencies are rare. During self-isolation, you should always phone your provider’s office if something seems wrong. Most often they can instruct you over the phone on how to resolve the problem. Along with any discomfort you may be experiencing, as you can often fix your dental issue on your own.

 

Broken Tooth

Rinse the area with warm water. Put a cold compress over the facial area of the injury and recover any broken tooth fragments. Contact your dentist immediately for an appointment.

 

Knocked Out Permanent Tooth

Recover the tooth, making sure to hold it by the crown (top) and not the root end. Rinse, but do not clean or handle the tooth more than necessary. Reinsert the tooth in the socket and hold it in place using a clean piece of gauze or cloth. If you can’t reinsert the tooth carry it in a cup containing water, milk, or a commercial tooth saver solution. Because time is essential, contact your dentist immediately. They’ll help you to the most efficient way of dealing with the issue.

 

Bleeding After a Baby Tooth Falls Out

Fold a piece of gauze and place it (tightly) over the bleeding area. Bite down on the gauze for 15 minutes; if bleeding continues, make an appointment with your dentist.

 

 

The Office

Your local orthodontist will remain open during self-isolation. Things will not be the same. You may only visit the office team for essential or emergency treatments only. All other issues are easy to fix online or by way of a phone call with instructions. Others are immediately done in the office. You will have to wait longer for an appointment in any regard.

• Stay in your car until called. Announce your arrival by calling the office. Your dentist will likely have a dedicated number.
• Sanitize your hands and put on a face mask.
• Answer questions relating to COVID-19 symptoms.
• Your temperature will be taken with a device to your forehead.
• The office will seem empty. There will be a lack of magazines and iPads. Also, coffee and beverages will be missing.
• Only the patient and one guardian if needed will be allowed in the office. The guardian may be asked to wait in reception.
• You’ll need to stay 6 feet or more from the nearest person.
• The waiting times may be extended as time is needed for sanitizing the areas the orthodontist needs to work in.
• It is important that you do not attend the office if you are suffering symptoms. You’ll have to wait the agreed isolation time before rescheduling the appointment.

Staying in touch with your dentist is essential during self-isolation. We’ll contact you when an appointment is necessary. A zoom or telephone call may sort out the issue. You can generally set up a virtual appointment with ease with your provider. Always keep going as per the treatment plan.

 

General Oral Care During Lockdown

With things like toothache or canker sores please do not call the office. There are many OTC (over-the-counter) drugs to take to stop the issue. Only call if these problems persist and become dangerous.

 

Only call if these problems persist and become dangerous.

 

Your teeth will still have the troubles of modern living to deal with. Gum disease, plaque, root canals, and the rest. If you don’t have good oral health going into a pandemic, you’ll likely have it worse when things return to normal.

 

Good Diet and Healthy Teeth

The teeth, bones and soft tissue of the mouth need a healthy, well-balanced diet. A variety of foods from the five food groups helps cut cavities and other dental problems. Most snacks that children eat cause cavities. So children should only receive healthy foods like vegetables, low-fat yogurt, and cheeses. These foods are known to promote strong teeth.

 

ADA Video Explainer

This ADA video goes into great detail as to what we are allowed to do as professional body members. It offers detailed explanations.