The infectious COVID-19 has become a global health challenge due to its rapid spread across the globe. It has affected all the health sectors. The pediatric dentistry and COVID-19 have also been interlinked with each other. The parents are strictly advised to make their children restrict inhouse. That’s why pediatric dentistry during COVID-19 is not operational at all due to the concerned risks. The risk of this disease is elevated in pediatric dentistry as dental practices are focal points for cross‐infection. To reduce the exposure, dentists should adopt the safety standards that ensure the patient’s health, protect themselves and prevent the transmission of the disease. That’s why it is an obvious fact that pediatric dentistry after COVID-19 would be fully functional after COVID-19; therefore, if you are searching ‘pediatric dentistry near me’, you should read this whole article to get all your answers.
COVID-19 DISEASE IN CHILDREN
If we closely observe pediatric dentistry and COVID-19 scenarios nowadays, we can easily observe that children are less affected by the Coronavirus than adults.
Healthcare experts say that the reason behind this can be a more active innate immune response of children, their healthier respiratory tracts and less underlying illnesses, but their chances to be infected by COVID-19 can certainly not be disregarded. Pediatric dentistry during COVID-19 is much vulnerable to Coronavirus because of the oral examination and process. According to WHO, Coronavirus can be easily injected from the mouth. That’s why, WHO has advised us to have a healthy oral routine to avoid any chances of letting the Coronavirus enter through the mouth. Therefore, it is always preferable to teach a better oral hygiene routine and don’t let them face a pediatric dentistry during COVID-19. It is a highly risky approach that your children need to see a pediatric dentist during COVID-19. It may not only affect their oral health but it may also cause them to face COVID-19 symptoms. So, Go through this whole article and get all information related to Pediatric dentistry during COVID-19.
PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY DURING AND AFTER COVID-19
Pediatric dentistry has evolved with the changing phases of COVID-19. With social distancing in dental waiting rooms to dentists wearing more robust PPE, the safety measures get more strict when it comes to pediatric dentistry and COVID-19.
During COVID-19, the practices of pediatric dentistry were postponed in several countries and only severe dental emergencies were directed to be treated with strict safety protocols.
Parents are advised to seek guidelines from their dentist on the phone regarding pediatric dentistry during COVID-19
It can help to determine that their child needs immediate attention or not, or if things can safely be delayed until after the COVID-19 pandemic. It is always advisable to go for pediatric dentistry after COVID-19.
The future of pediatric dentistry after COVID-19 will change drastically as there will be less visits and more consultations online
Increased effort to reduce the spread of germs, cleaning practices and wearing personal protective equipment will become a norm.
WHAT PEDIATRIC DENTISTS SHOULD KNOW
Pediatric dentistry is all about the oral health of the children which is a vital component of overall health.Pediatric dentistry during COVID-19 is way too different than it was before. Pediatric dentistry and COVID-19 specialists should know that the main concern is to keep the patients and themselves safe and healthy.
The following are some key points, from our announcement related to COVID-19, that need to be taken into account seriously regarding pediatric dentistry during Covid-19:
- In case a child needs medical attention, the dentist should talk to them on the phone and gather all the information to analyze whether the patient needs emergency treatment or it can be postponed for a professional pediatric dentistry after COVID-19.
- During emergency situations, only the pediatric patient and one family member must be allowed in the office. Their temperatures should be checked and their hands should be sanitized at all times.
- Dental staff members should check their body temperatures before work and also keep their hands sanitized.
- The dental practitioners must wash their hands before examining the patients. They should also wear personal protective equipment, including eyewear, masks, gloves, caps, face shields, surgical clothes and shoe-cover.
- The appointments in a single day must be limited so that there is less chance of contracting the disease.
- Dental procedures can contaminate the environmental surfaces; therefore, it is necessary to clean and disinfect them after every clinical session.
- Rooms should be frequently cleaned and disinfected, including door handles, chairs, desks, screens, keyboard, phones, lamps and etc.
WHAT PARENTS SHOULD KNOW
Pediatric dentistry is an important matter for the parents but they must determine whether it is safe to take their child to the pediatric dentist during COVID-19 or not.
The following are some key points and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the parents to consider:
- Parents should understand what a dental emergency is. A dental emergency means pain, infection or trauma.
- If parents have questions related to pediatric dentistry or have a dental emergency service request they should reach out to a dentist immediately.
- Parents should make their children practice good oral hygiene at home and let them know the basics of dental health.
- They should also keep a check on the sugar and sticky foods intake of their children, which can be harmful for both the teeth and gums.
- Remind your children to practice proper teeth brushing.