Skipped the dentist?
According to a survey conducted by the American Dental Association, one in three people skipped the dentist during the COVID-19 pandemic.
At O’Fallon Dental Works, we understand that the pandemic has made even simple things like visiting the dentist for a cleaning all the more difficult. Each of us has made hard decisions to keep our families and loved ones safe in this difficult time, and we urge our patients to continue doing what is best for their families to flatten the curve and help our community heal.
However, as dentists and healthcare professionals, we want to ensure that our patients are taking care of their teeth in and out of the office. It may seem like no big deal to have skipped the dentist a time or two, but the results can, unfortunately, be disastrous.
Regular dental checkups are essential for identifying problems early, such as cavities, gum disease, or even oral cancer, which can progress without noticeable symptoms. When small issues are left untreated, they can quickly become larger, more painful, and far more expensive to fix. Preventative care is not only more affordable but also helps maintain a beautiful and healthy smile for years to come. In addition to professional cleanings, these visits give patients an opportunity to ask questions, receive personalized advice, and build better oral hygiene habits. Maintaining your dental appointments, if you have skipped the dentist or not, is one of the simplest yet most powerful ways to protect your overall health.
Cavities develop slowly over time, and by the time you notice a problem at home, the problem may have become far more advanced. With our ability to detect and treat issues sooner, we can save you the time, money and discomfort that comes from allowing these small issues to become far more severe. This is why it is strongly recommended that you come in for regular, biannual visits to the dentist for a cleaning and checkup.
If at all possible, we urge you to bring yourself and your family in for scheduled dental checkups and cleanings. It is the only way to be sure that your smile is as healthy as it can be! We know that health and safety is important, which is why our office has installed the following sanitization, sterilization and company policy procedures in accordance with state and federal guidelines:
- All surfaces are thoroughly cleaned and sanitized between patients
- Masks are required for all staff, patients and accompanying family members
- Infection control standards have been increased
- Preemptive screenings and temperature checks are performed on arrival
- Social distancing is maintained
At O’Fallon Dental Works, keeping you (and your teeth!) safe, happy and healthy is our first and foremost concern. We are continuing to stay abreast of the latest recommendations from health officials and are doing our best to help you and your family maintain your dental health in this difficult time, even if you’ve skipped the dentist recently.
We encourage our patients to take the time to visit our dental practice regularly for cleanings and examinations to catch any problems early enough to intervene appropriately. Routine visits allow us to remove plaque buildup, monitor the health of your gums, and detect issues such as cavities or early signs of oral diseases before they become more serious, especially if you’ve skipped the dentist. Preventive care is essential for maintaining a bright, healthy smile and avoiding more extensive treatments down the road. Whether you have skipped the dentist or not, please contact O’Fallon Dental Works today at 636-272-5015 or request an appointment online. Our friendly team is ready to help you get back on track with your oral health!