Dental cleaning/checkup now?

[Anonymous]

Are you getting your teeth cleaned every six months, or waiting until the vaccines are widely deployed? My last cleaning was in early March. I've been religiously brushing/flossing/waterpicking, and have not had any problems. So I'm tempted to put it off until April or May.

[Anonymous]

Yes, every six months. Went in July and will be going again in February, assuming they’re still seeing patients then. I have bad teeth due to genetics and can’t afford to not go. If you’re like my DH who’s had like one tiny cavity ever, I would feel more comfortable spacing the visits out more.

[Anonymous]

Im not. But my MIL who is 75 with damaged teeth due to a lifetime of smoking (she quit 20 years ago) goes 4 tomes a yesr and has been during covid. Dental issues can cause heart issues if untreated.

[Anonymous]

You know the “get your teeth cleaned every 6 months” rule of thumb was pushed by toothpaste companies and dentists and is not backed by evidence for most people, right? There are some high risk people who do need to go more often but large swaths of the population don’t need to go that often.

So if you have no preexisting dental issues and have been taking good care of your teeth and you aren’t old, I’d definitely say skip it. Go in the spring once dentists have been vaccinated

[Anonymous]

I would not do it now when people will have travelled or gathered for Christmas. Wait until Feb at least.

[Anonymous]

We went right after Thanksgiving, and I felt we were kinda risking it.

I don't think it's bad to skip a dental cleaning under the circumstances.

[Anonymous]

I went in Early November. I was nervous but I think dental health is important.

[Anonymous]

I'be been twice. They are taking precautions and not using electric devices like the ultrasound cleaners that spew saliva. Hand cleanings only and rinsing.

[Anonymous]

Yes. Dental health is extremely important, and they take proper precautions.

[Anonymous]

Should dental workers be in the front of the line for the vaccine?

[Anonymous]

Shouldn't dental workers...

[Anonymous]

I went once and didn't feel my dentist's office was taking sufficient precautions. I do have some pre-existing dental issues and should have 4x/year visits, so it's stressing me out. Considering finding another dentist who has more precautions in place.

[Anonymous]

Yes, my family is still going every 6 months, we were just at our dentist last week. Our dentist’s office is taking a lot of precautions, I felt very safe.

I also know not everyone’s risk level is the same as mine.

[Anonymous]

I am high risk and I still went. Glad I did because dentist found a cavity. He only found it with imaging and said if we didn't catch it, it likely would have been a root canal.

[Anonymous]

I believe dental workers are considered health care workers (should be!) but the ongoing concern will be the patients in the office before and at the same time as you.