Columbia Healthy Smiles Blog

From face masks to stay-at-home mandates, the COVID-19 pandemic has transformed our world in more ways than one. Perhaps the most significant change is the introduction of social distancing guidelines to reduce the transmission of this potentially fatal virus. While implementing the 6-foot distance is more natural for some, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continue to reinforce the importance of implementing this guideline. In fact, they believe that social distancing measures have prevented up to 185,000 deaths! With this in mind, your dentist in Columbia will be opting for no-contact greetings at your visit during COVID-19. If you are looking for a creative one of your own, then keep reading!

You originally had a dental checkup scheduled in March, but the COVID-19 pandemic caused dentists all over the country to reschedule elective appointments and only treat patients with emergencies. Recently, your dentist in Columbia called you and said that because they’re open now, you could attend your checkup. When you arrived at the office, you noticed a few things were different. For one thing, a member of your dentist’s team asked you to rinse with mouthwash before your appointment could begin. Why? Keep reading to find out.

Ever since social distancing guidelines were first introduced a couple of months ago, you’ve been following them diligently. You have family members who are high-risk for COVID-19, so you want to do your part to avoid spreading the virus to them. One day your dentist in Columbia calls you, letting you know it’s time for your biannual checkup. You start to wonder: is it safe? Absolutely! Dentists all over the country are taking precautionary measures to ensure their patients safety in the office, one of which is enforcing social distance. Keep reading below to learn how your dentist will use social distancing to keep you safe at your appointment.

From connecting with family to getting groceries, the COVID-19 pandemic has changed many activities we previously took for granted. This includes your dental appointments, which will likely look very different than any you’ve had before. There have been a variety of changes made to keep you as safe as possible while getting treatment for your smile. Here’s what to expect before, during, and after your first visit with your Columbia dentist when they reopen.

Thanks to their strict sanitation protocols, dental practices have always been exceptionally clean environments. However, it takes a lot more than simply spraying a store-bought disinfectant around the office to keep it germ-free, especially during a pandemic. Thankfully, your Columbia dentist follows extensive dental safety and infection control procedures to thoroughly eliminate any lingering particles. Here’s what they’re doing to keep their practice clean and ensure you are as safe as possible when coming in for dental care during COVID-19.

Your teeth are designed to last for a lifetime with the right care over the years, which is why you maintain your oral hygiene and visit your dentist twice a year. With your proactive approach to a healthy smile, you probably never expect a dental problem that requires urgent attention, but it occurs more often than you might realize. While many situations happen without any warning, like from a fall or accident, other issues result from an untreated condition that previously caused symptoms. Here are 5 signs that indicate you’re going to need an emergency dentist in Columbia.

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A healthy smile starts at home, but it also relies on the care you receive from your dentist in Columbia. Besides brushing and flossing, the American Dental Association recommends everyone sees their dentist at least twice a year for a cleaning and checkup. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to schedule your routine appointments because of the current COVID-19 restrictions. Don’t worry, here are 6 tips to keep your smile healthy until you can get into your dental office for your next cleaning and checkup.

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Your teeth are designed to last for a lifetime with the right care. Your oral hygiene habits at home are equally important as the services you receive from your dentist in Columbia to ensure your smile lasts. Unfortunately, even with the best care, there are certain bad habits that can damage your teeth. If you want your smile to last, here are 5 things you shouldn’t do with your teeth.

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No one ever expects to lose a tooth, but 120 million Americans live with an incomplete smile. If you’re among those who have lost a tooth or two over the years, you can fill the empty spaces with a dental bridge. Your dentist in Columbia can replace your missing teeth with close replicas of your own. You’ll enjoy a long-term solution that looks natural.

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You’ve probably been cautioned against eating too many cookies, sweets, and chips for the sake of your smile. But did you know that regularly eating certain healthy foods can improve your oral health? By adding the right foods to your daily diet, you can fight off cavities, strengthen your teeth, and prevent gum disease! Find out which snacks your dentist in Columbia, MO recommends to naturally keep your smile happy and healthy!