Throughout each lockdown we have regularly communicated the steps we have taken in the practice to keep our patients safe. These include (to name just a few):

• Updated procedures and protocols that were routinely part of safe delivery of dental care are already well developed and practiced here.
• Introduced PPE (Personal Protective Equipment).
• Adhere to social distancing.
• Scheduled longer appointments to allow for an enhanced sterilisation of each surgery between patients.

It’s fair to say that the last year, with three periods of lockdown, has had a range of effects on our health. There has been a wide range of articles about the symptoms and effects of Covid-19, plus the range of related issues including mental health, weight gain and increased alcohol consumption.

In this update however we wish to focus on one often forgotten effect of lockdown, the potential for poor oral health.

Under normal circumstances each of our patients would have attended for regular dental health checks and hygiene appointments. This gave us the opportunity to spot potential issues before they became serious. These range from seeing when brushing techniques need improvement at one end of the scale to spotting the early symptoms of mouth cancer at the most serious end.

Of course, many patients have had the opportunity to attend their regular appointments, yet for many this wasn’t an option. This was mainly because of shielding or spending periods in self-isolation due to displaying symptoms of Covid-19 or having received a track and trace alert that they had been in close contact with somebody who had tested positive.

Prior to the most recent lockdown we posted a blog outlining the best way to remain dentally fit by looking at some simple ways to keep up the good hygiene routines demonstrated in the practice. Although circumstances have changed, if you cannot attend an appointment, the advice is equally as valid some months later. You can read the blog by clicking here.

For anyone who can attend the practice, we just wanted to remind you that we remain open as an essential medical service and we have appointments available with David, Annette and Maryam.

With the rollout of the vaccine there is light at the end of the tunnel and a hope of some return to normality. I look forward to seeing you soon in the practice. Until then stay safe and healthy.

David Cook and The London Holistic Dental Centre Team.