PASCO COUNTY, Florida – A visit to the dentist can already cause some people anxiety. Concerns about the pandemic are leading some to ignore routine visits altogether.
What would you like to know
- BayBreeze Dental dentist Ronak Parikh warns of dangers of delaying dental treatment
- Despite safety protocols in place, Dr Parikh says people are still reluctant
- Parikh recommends semi-annual trips for better dental care
But delaying dental treatment has its dangers.
“In some cases, either we will start to need more heavy work or we will lose teeth, and this is our biggest concern as tooth loss decreases our ability to eat, chew and be healthy. as healthy as possible, “said Dr. Ronak Parikh, dentist at BayBreeze Dental in Wesley Chapel.
Despite security protocols in place, Dr Parikh says many people are still reluctant.
“I would say I almost feel like half the patients have fallen behind in the last year and a half, and the other half are at least late.”
Don Hough is one of those people who typically delays dental treatment, and the pandemic hasn’t helped.
“I had my doubts about COVID because I wanted to isolate myself as much as possible,” Hough said. “The sanitary aspect of it and this has never been one of my favorite things to go to the dentist.”
Dr Parikh says Hough is not alone, but warns that a one-year delay on dental care can cause big problems.
“Even someone who is delayed maybe even a year can cause a lot of problems, and sometimes it’s broken teeth, sometimes it takes deeper cleanings. These are the things we want to make sure of. that we focus because at the end of the day things only get worse. They never get better on their own, “said Dr Parikh.
Worries aren’t just in the mouth.
“Many studies have linked heart disease to periodontal disease,” said Dr. Parikh. “Oral health is not really separate from the rest of your body. It is inextricably linked.”
Dr Parikh recommends brushing and flossing twice a day and using mouthwash to go where the toothbrush cannot reach. He also reminds everyone to visit your dentist twice a year for an exam, x-rays, and cleaning.
