You might have heard about the increasing cases of Corona Virus in the UAE and its impact on the community. Moreover, you may not be able to visit your dentist for routine fillings, cleanings, and crowns.

Moreover, you might want to visit your dentist in case of a dental emergency.

To clear up the confusion and to make sure you have all the answers, we have created a list of the questions you might have in your mind.

Due to Corona Virus in UAE, there have been delays in dental care for many people.

The dental problems of the children that might have been addressed in an office setting may not have had to wait to see their dentist.

And because teeth do not get better on their own these problems might get worse and need even more extensive treatment.

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Taking some time to practice good oral habits is a great way to protect your and your family’s teeth during the pandemic and every day.

But first, let us discuss a little about the Corona Virus in UAE.

Corona Virus UAE

Corona Virus in UAE is due to a virus that causes respiratory illness in humans.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome, SARS, Middle East respiratory syndrome MERS, and the common cold are examples of coronaviruses that cause illness in humans.

Moreover, it transmits from one person to another who is in close contact with one another or within 6 feet.

It passes via respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks.

Transmission over the long distance between 2 people is highly unlikely, however, Corona Virus in UAE is a new disease, and doctors and dentists are still learning about it.

The virus persists in aerosils for hours and even on the surface for a number of days, and can also spread from people who are not showing symptoms.

Risks for Dental Care

The process of dentistry and dental checkups involves the use of rotary dental and surgical instruments like a handpiece, or ultrasonic scalers, and air-water syringes.

Moreover, these dental instruments create a visible spray that contains water droplets, mucus, saliva, blood and micro-organisms, and other debris.

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Although surgical masks protected mucus membranes and the nose from droplet spatter, however, they do not provide complete protection against inhalation of infectious agents.

Good Oral Health During Corona Virus UAE

Tooth decay in the form of cavities or Caries is the most common disease among children.

It is mostly preventable by taking care of oral and dental health at home.

However, once it begins, it will get worse, even in children younger than 3 years of age.

During Corona Virus UAE, dentists have not been able to see patients except for emergencies.

Moreover, when the clinics begin to open, you might not get an appointment as soon as possible because of an increase in the number of patients.

Implementation of Teledentistry during Cornon Virus UAE

To prevent the transmission of Coronavirus at the clinic, the following steps are taken:

We make sure that all the patients are screened for the signs and symptoms of the Corona Virus, through a telephone screen.

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In the case of non-urgent dental care use of Phone Advice Line Tool to help the patients.

Assessment of the symptoms of dental conditions of the patients and determine whether they need a dental sitting or not.

Requesting the patients to limit the number of visitors accompanying them.

Use of face mask or a cloth to cover the face when entering the clinic and undergo the screening for fever and symptoms consistent with the Corona Virus.

Visiting a Dentist during Corona Virus UAE

You should avoid visiting a dentist during the pandemic.

However, in case of emergency, you can only visit them with an individual person as anesthesia is usually administered during the procedure.

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Call your dentist and ask for help. They can assess the signs and symptoms and tell whether your dental ailment falls into the category of an emergency or not.

The following are some tips on managing non-emergency dental ailments to better help you care for your teeth safely during the CoronaVirus UAE.

Broken Braces

The brackets and wires of traditional braces are fragile and can even break for a number of reasons.

These wires and brackets can have sharp edges and are uncomfortable for you.

broken braces

However, they do not constitute an emergency. You can reach out to your dentist who can provide advice for simple home treatment.

This may include tips to manage the broken wire or bracket of your braces at home.

Learn more about teeth braces.

Dry Mouth

Dry mouth occurs when the salivary glands in your mouth are unable to produce enough saliva.

This condition can cause irritation or a dry feeling in your mouth and cause other symptoms like bad breath, a dry throat, and cracked lips.

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There are different causes of dry mouth.

Almost 600 medications like diuretics and anti-histamines, nutritional deficiencies, and natural hormonal changes can cause it.

You can prevent it with plenty of water and chewing on sugar-free chewing gum.

Moreover, using a saliva substitute can also help to prevent dryness and help to keep your mouth healthy.

Irritation in Mouth

Irritation in your mouth or oral cavity can be due to viral or fungal infections as well as allergies from food or other particles.

A number of diseases like canker sores, cold sores can cause mouth irritation.

irritation

Moreover, excessive use of beverages, over-brushing your tongue, or overusing mouthwash can cause irritation in the mouth tissues.

Make sure to avoid soda and acidic beverages. Talk to your dentist about oral hygiene habits and how to minimize the irritations in your mouth.

Plaque build-up

Plaque is a layer of germs in your mouth and it sticks to your teeth.

Some types of places can even lead to tooth cavities while others can cause gum diseases.

Make sure to floss your teeth once to remove the food particles and germs from between your teeth. This helps to prevent plaque buildup in your mouth.

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Moreover, brushing twice daily at least for 2 minutes with fluoride toothpaste can help prevent it.

However, if you are unable and worried about plaque buildup hen there are tablets or stains that can help to identify the areas of your mouth where there is its buildup.

You can take preventive measures for the removal of plaque at home effectively.

Bleeding Gums

Your daily oral hygiene routine should include twice-daily brushing and once-daily flossing.

However, if your gums bleed while you are flossing, this could be a sign of inflammation and gum problems or periodontal disease.

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It may help to use a rinse to reduce germs or rinse with warm salt water if your gums are sore.

Moreover, if you have pain or the bleeding continues, contact your dentist as soon as possible.

Gingivitis

If you have bleeding gums then it is a sign of gum problems.

However, it is usually reversible with the help of a good oral hygiene routine.

Treating gingivitis at an early stage is as easy as 2-minute brushing, flossing, and professional check-ups.

Moreover, using mouthwash can help and be an effective treatment to prevent gum problems.

gingivitis

You can follow up with your dentist for further information or concerns about gum problems when you’re able to resume regular check-up visits and cleanings.

What to Do During a Dental Emergency?

According to the American Dental Association ADA, a dental emergency is one that is potentially life-threatening and requires immediate treatment for:

  • Uncontrolled bleeding
  • Germ infection that could compromise the patient’s airway
  • Trauma involving facial bones, potentially compromising the patient’s airway

Moreover, it refers to conditions that require immediate attention to relieve pain or risk of infection.

ADA recommends that dentists should prefer to use their professional judgment in determining whether a patient needs urgent care it not.

dental emergency

Governments and local responses to the Corona Virus in UAE can be different and make you unsure of what qualifies as a dental emergency.

Make sure your dentist follows SOPs and infection control measures.

The following are some instances where you should contact your dentist immediately:

  • If a large piece of the tooth, or the total tooth is missing
  • nerve damage is apparent, such as a feeling of numbness
  • If you are showing signs of an abscess or infection (pain, swelling, hot to touch, and redness)
  • you suspect that you or someone else has a broken jaw
  • If you’ve had a recent root canal and are worried about the level of pain.

Visit your Pediatrician

Dental care during the pandemic can be a little difficult especially if your child has recently had a dental procedure.

Make sure to ask your dental pediatrician about the dental care of your child’s teeth and the dental appliances at home.

At an in-office checkup, they might apply fluoride was on your child’s teeth to protect them.

However, if you are not able to visit the office, your pediatrician may be able to offer a telehealth visit ​“look” at your child’s mouth and teeth using photos or video.

Depending on the videos or photos, you may need to take your child to a dentist.

The TakeAway

Corona Virus in UAE can be confusing for many people as it brings along its uncertainty and confusion. However, taking certain precautionary measures like wearing a face mask, using a hand sanitizer, keeping at least 6 feet apart, and staying home can help you protect yourself and your children.

In some conditions, you might have dental conditions or a dental appointment that needs to be taken care of, however, some of these can be effectively addressed at home.