Important benefits of maintaining oral health during the Covid-19 pandemic

Important benefits of maintaining oral health during the Covid-19 pandemic

The outbreak of Covid-19 caused by the new corona virus (SARS-CoV-2) has affected all sectors of people's lives. The dental profession did not escape the influence of Covid-19. It can even be said to have a profound effect on the influence of Covid-19 on the dental profession. Not only before the pandemic, we must maintain the health of our oral cavity, especially dental health, during the Covid-19 pandemic, oral health is very important to consider. Because, it will trigger many other health problems if toothache is still often ignored by the general public. Based on data 9 out of 10 people have mouth problems such as cavities and gum problems. In fact, based on the Basic Health Research (Riskesdas) in 2018, as many as 57 percent of Indonesians experience oral and dental health problems.
The importance of maintaining healthy teeth and mouth, done to avoid the possibility of continued damage to the teeth until tooth loss occurs. The goal, to maintain healthy teeth and mouth during this pandemic, is needed to optimize the immune system. A healthy mouth can maintain the immune system against germs or other intruders. Maintaining healthy teeth and mouth can have a profound effect on the entire body.

Covid-19 disease caused by infection from the corona virus or SARS-COV-2 can be transmitted through droplets with the mouth, nose and eye media. Nevertheless, dental and oral health problems are still often complained by the public. Especially cavities and swollen gums. Because, gums are the oral tissue that is most susceptible to infections, especially inflammation of the gums and in patients with cardiovascular systemic disease and diabetes. But if there are no dental emergency conditions it is advisable to delay to the dentist. Dental emergency conditions including; unbearable pain, swollen gums due to infection, bleeding in the oral cavity that is not controlled and trauma to the teeth and face due to an accident.
       If people who experience toothaches should consult first online or online with their dentist. But if you already have a toothache and its urgency is highly recommended and must follow the protocol protocol health before checking teeth to the place of private practice or to the nearest health service that has dental health facilities. Because, in addition to medical staff who are at the forefront in handling Covid-19 confirmation patients directly, dentists are also considered susceptible to contracting Covid-19 because when conducting examinations or performing dental actions the dentists are very close to the source of the droplet. This condition was justified by the Chairperson of the Indonesian Dentists Association (PDGI), Drg R M. Sri Hananto Seno, who stated that dentists are indeed very potential or vulnerable to Covid-19 transmission through droplets.
       Quoting circular number 2766 / PB PDGI / III-3/2020 concerning Guidelines for Dentistry Services During the COVID-19 Virus Pandemic, the following instructions must be carried out by the dentists who will examine their patients:

1. Screening all patients according to the procedure attached in the circular. Screening refers to the attached form in the form of monitoring of COVID-19 symptoms to risk factors for the virus.
2. Immediately refer patients who are suspected of being infected with the COVID-19 virus.
3. Postpone actions without symptomatic complaints, elective, aesthetic treatments, actions using bur / scaler / suction.
4. Using complete disposable personal protective equipment for each patient.
5. Perform the procedure of washing hands properly. Patients are asked to rinse their mouth with Hydrogen Peroxide 0.5 - 1 percent for 60 seconds or Providon Iodine 1 percent for 15-60 seconds before treatment and when needed.
6. Cleaning dentistry with 5% sodium hypochlorite in a ratio of 1: 100 (0.05 percent) for 1 minute. For all objects and dental equipment can be cleaned using 70 percent ethanol before the sterilization process with an autoclave.
7. Cleaning the work environment, patient waiting room, door handles, tables, chairs, dental units with disinfectants. The floor can be cleaned using 2 percent benzalkonium chloride (a market floor cleaning product).
8. Change clothes used during practice before returning home.

The health protocol that must be done before going to the dentist is:
1. Patients come wearing a mask. If not wearing a mask, the clinic provides a mask to patients. Before entering the waiting room, the patient must first check his body temperature. If the patient's body temperature does not exceed 37.3 degrees Celsius, then the patient will be allowed to enter. If on the contrary, then the patient will be asked to immediately go to a public clinic first to conduct an examination whether including symptoms of Covid-19 or not. After the patient is fine, the patient is allowed to enter the clinic waiting room. With the notes must wash hands with soap or use a hand sanitizer in the clinic.
2. While waiting in the waiting room, the patient must sit in the space provided and allow a minimum of 2 meters between each patient.
3. At the time of entering the waiting room, the patient must still wear a chili mask telling the complaints felt by the patient.
4. Before entering the patient into a dental practice room, the dentist is complete with level 3 personal protective equipment (PPE). At least level 2 PPE uses a mask, facesheild, head cover, gloves, and gown.
5. After the dentist listens to the patient's complaints it is recommended to rinse the mouth first using an antiseptic mouthwash then the dental doctor will check the condition of the oral cavity and the teeth that are experiencing complaints.
6. If the dentist has finished a consultation, examination or treatment session and with or without oral medication, the patient is asked to rinse his mouth with an antiseptic and wear a mask.
7. All disposable instrument equipment, will be sterilized as well as the dentist's office. That will protect patients, rooms and also doctors and nurses from potential Covid-19 infections that are not necessarily known to anyone who has the potential to transmit.

The Covid-19 pandemic concerns us all. But from what has happened we also gain valuable experience to be able to anticipate and move forward. All parties have sought to overcome the Covid-19 pandemic, in various ways including dentists who have demonstrated their dedication. Various roles are carried out among the dentist profession in helping to overcome Covid-19. May the storm of Covid-19 soon pass and we are all saved.