What Can Happen If I Postpone My Dental Appointment?

Whether you’re the kind of person who is diligent about your dental appointments or prefers to put them off as much as possible, it’s no secret that the continued COVID-19 threat has everyone apprehensive about a future checkup and cleaning. You should know that your dentist in Camp Hill, PA understands your concern and is taking extreme measures to ensure your health and safety. But you should also know that postponing your visits any longer can be problematic for your oral health. Before you pick up the phone to reschedule, spend a few minutes learning why it’s better if you keep your appointment even amid the COVID-19 crisis.

The Problem with Postponing

COVID-19 has changed the way people think about going out in public. Restaurants, movie theaters, parks, and even doctor’s and dentist’s offices are implementing new protocols to ensure the safety of visitors. While it may be easy for you to put off dining in your favorite establishment or visiting your preferred hiking trail, postponing your dental appointment can lead to serious problems as it pertains to your oral health.

Putting off a regular dental checkup and cleaning by a month may not be a big deal, but if your fear of contracting COVID-19 causes you to avoid this simple treatment for a longer period of time, you could be facing everything from tooth decay, cavity formations, gum disease, or in the most serious situation, oral cancer.

The smallest dental concerns and procedures are best handled sooner rather than later if you want to avoid more costly treatments in the future.

How to Stay Safe

If you want to give yourself greater peace of mind for your upcoming appointment, make sure to try the following suggestions:

• Speak to someone in your dental office about the new measures being taken to keep patients safe. Knowing what your dentist is doing to better protect everyone will allow you to feel less stressed and more confident in your upcoming visit.
• Keep your teeth and gums in optimal shape by maintaining good oral hygiene at home. Brushing twice daily for two minutes, flossing before bed, and rinsing with an antimicrobial mouthwash will eliminate bad bacteria and keep your smile looking and feeling it best.
• Don’t try to rush your visit. Your dentist is allowing extra time for each appointment so you can ask questions, undergo multiple treatments, if necessary, and address any concerns you might have about your oral health.

If you have any hesitation about visiting your dentist in Camp Hill, PA, make sure to reach out to a member of your dental team. They are available to answer questions and put your mind at ease during this time.

About the Author
Dr. Rina Singh maintains a clean and healthy environment for her staff and patients. Adhering to strict sanitation protocols, she and her team are going above and beyond to ensure everyone who visits feels comfortable and safe, especially during the COVID-19 outbreak. Because of the way this virus is transmitted, Dr. Singh is taking extra precautions to avoid possible infection, so if you or a loved one are preparing for an upcoming appointment and would like to know what you can do to better protect yourself, contact us at (717) 937-8180 or visit our website.