Most dentists around the country were closed for a few months due to COVID-19, essentially only seeing patients with emergencies. However, many of them, including your dentist in Carlisle, have started to open back up for elective procedures like cleanings. If you’ve had a dental appointment recently, you might have noticed that things are a little different than they were pre-pandemic. One of the main differences is that you were most likely asked to rinse your mouth out before your appointment could begin. Why did your dentist have you rinse? Keep reading to learn the answer.
Why Is Your Dentist Asking You to Rinse?
When certain dental instruments are used to treat you, particles called dental aerosols are released from your mouth, floating in the air for several minutes before settling on the ground. Dental aerosols can consist of various particles that may reside in your mouth, such as saliva and blood. However, they may also contain germs you may be carrying. If you’re unknowingly carrying the germs that cause COVID-19, dental aerosols could infect your dentist and their team members, as well as patients who sit in the chair after you.
To reduce the likelihood of that occurring, you’re being asked to swish an extra-strength mouthwash around in your mouth before being treated. While most mouthwashes have not been tested against the specific germs that cause COVID-19, they have been proven to be effective against the germs that cause oral health problems like bad breath, gum disease, and cavities. It never hurts to rinse and reduce the number of harmful pathogens in your mouth.
How Else Is Your Dentist Reducing the Risk of COVID-19?
In addition to having you wash your mouth out before your appointment, here are a few other precautions your dentist is taking to keep their office as germ-free as possible:
- Evaluating the health of their staff daily (and promptly sending anyone with a fever or other COVID-19 symptoms home)
- Screening the health of every patient before they enter the building
- Spacing out appointments to limit the number of people in the office at one time
- Disinfecting the office between patients
- Wearing increased personal protective equipment like face shields and surgical gowns
- Removing magazines and children’s toys from the waiting room
- Installing clear plastic barriers throughout the practice
As you can see, your dentist is taking every precaution they can to keep you as safe as possible while you’re under their care. Having you rinse with mouthwash is just one method of minimizing germs exposure in the office. If you were apprehensive about visiting your dentist due to fears of infection, don’t worry. They’ll do their utmost to ensure your safety and comfort.
About the Author
Dr. Thomas Neslund is a dentist in Carlisle, PA who graduated from the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine in 1990. His professional memberships include the Academy of General Dentistry, the American Dental Association, and the Pennsylvania Dental Association. In addition to having his patients rinse with mouthwash upon arrival, his practice has implemented several other precautions to maximize his patients’ health and comfort during their appointments. To learn more about how Dr. Neslund will keep you safe, visit his website or call 717-258-5455.