Iowa dentists made the headlines recently emphasizing the necessity of routine dental care and the importance of oral health on overall health.
KCRG reports that a survey of Iowans found that 56 percent admitted putting off dental care during the pandemic. Dr. Paula Kral spoke with
KCRG about the risk associated with missing routine appointments or delaying dental care:
"Cavities have to get very, very large before they hurt," she said. "You may have a cavity. You could have gum disease, all of those things. Those things don’t stop just because you’re afraid to go to the dentist ... Waiting, especially if you've got a problem, you could wind up needing more extensive treatment than if you just go ahead and go."
"Your oral health affects the rest of your body," Dr. O'Brien said. "But the reverse is also true. Your systemic health affects your oral health. All of those New Year’s resolutions about taking care of your body, getting more exercise, drinking water, are going to be good for your body and your oral health as well."
Both articles highlighted the safety of dental offices during the pandemic, including increased infection control procedures, to help patients feel comfortable returning to the dentist.