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Due to the current lockdown, some patients have been hesitant to come to the dental offices for their re-care appointments perhaps out of fear for their safety and possible COVID -19 infection. Putting oral care lower in the priority list and attending dental office for pain and emergency only, will have negative impact on oral as well as general health. We, as dental professionals can’t stress more than any other time, the importance of oral health for the overall health and well-being of our patients. Keeping a good oral health by attending the re-care hygiene appointments is vital to maintain a strong immune system to resist the invasion of harmful viruses like COVID-19. Now more than ever, it’s important to keep up to date with re-care appointments. By doing so, there is more opportunity for you to be screened for diseases in the oral cavity such as serious pathologies like oral cancer, periodontal diseases and other inflammatory conditions. Reducing inflammatory condition in the mouth will help in reduction of the overall inflammatory mediators in the body , therefore improving your immune system. The relationship between periodontal diseases and other conditions like heart diseases, diabetes , arthritis is well documented. Home oral care is also crucial to avoid the necessity for emergency visits and maintain a stable good oral health. In some ways, the current situation can actually be a benefit to us! Everyone staying home may have more time available to put towards preventative measures towards their oral health. Many patients have said they are able to visit their dental practitioners more regularly since the lockdown hit, since they now work from home! Visiting us now has the added benefit of significantly shorter wait times! Offices today are accepting one patient at a time, and scheduling patients in such a way that minimizes contact and overlap between them. Our dental offices are open to help you. We have strict protocols in place, keeping it safe for you to visit us. Our goal is to help you catch up on dental care that may have been neglected in the past and plan a routine to protect your oral health in the future. Is the Dental Office Safe? We are following strict guidelines from The Royal College Of Dental Surgeons of Ontario , Public Health and The Ontario Dental association in order to keep patients and staff safe. These measures, apart from the regular disinfection and sterilization, may include: Prescreening for COVID symptoms ahead of your appointment, the day of the treatment as well as checking temperature. Ask about recent travels Enquire about any contact with COVID positive patients No waiting room No visitors or patients companions allowed unless its really needed One patient at a time , Maintaining Social distancing Space out appointment Hand sanitization at entering and leaving the office Wearing face masks Disinfect all touchable surfaces and tools more often Disinfect, replace, and cover tools between uses Wear more protective gear than usual like N95 masks Using isolation techniques like intraoral suction and rubber dam Pre-procedural mouth rinses High vacuum suction in operatory HEPA filtration and Air Exchange units Get rid of common things people touch in the waiting room, such as toys and magazines