The spread of COVID 19 is no longer news to anyone in the world. The World Health Organization has declared it a global pandemic after it affected people in more than 150 countries and killed over 10,000. As a dental practice, we must help you understand what it is and what it is not. Our job is to keep you safe.
Below is the information for your use. Remember, all our dental clinics in Lagos and Abuja are open for DENTAL EMERGENCIES ONLY. We have practiced and trained our minds with several precautions to take while seeing a patient. These measures single-handedly drafted from the health and safety protocols projected by WHO and NCDC. Below are the frequently asked questions.
What is Coronavirus (COVID 19)?
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that generally cause respiratory illness in people and others in animals. Previous coronavirus outbreaks have included Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS). COVID-19 is the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2.
It spreads like other respiratory viruses — when people with the infection cough or sneeze. These droplets are inhaled by other people or moved to the eyes, nose, or mouth by contaminated hands.
COVID-19 and my Oral Health?
Your oral health connected to your overall well-being. As dental practitioners, we must help you understand that your mouth is the entry to the rest of your body. If you do not take care of it, it will inevitably affect your well-being. There are established scientific evidence that the immune response in your body is closely related to your gums. A healthy mouth frees the body’s immune system to fend off bacteria and viruses.
The symptoms of COVID-19?
Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, sore throat, and shortness of breath. Some people might NOT experience any symptoms at all while others develop only mild symptoms of pneumonia type symptoms.
Who is at high risk of contracting the disease?
People at higher risk of severe COVID-19 infection include:
- People with underlying health conditions including heart disease, lung disease, or diabetes, etc
- Young children
- Pregnant women
- Older people who are aged 60 and above
- People with weakened immune systems
- People with underlying health conditions including heart disease, lung disease, or diabetes, etc
- Young children
- Pregnant women
- Older people who are aged 60 and above
I have a scheduled appointment at the Smile360. What should I do?
It is temporarily canceled if you have an appointment for routine care (such as an exam, a cleaning, or a filling). Following the NCDC recommendations, we are now restricting patient visits to urgent or emergency care ONLY. Please call the clinic to reschedule your appointment or if you have any questions.
What do I do if I have COVID-19 symptoms?
If you cough, fever, or other respiratory problems, call and speak with your doctor before going to a medical facility. DO NOT GO TO AN EMERGENCY ROOM. If you believe you are experiencing life-threatening symptoms, call the NCDC numbers below first. If you do feel ill, don’t panic. Most people who get the disease have only minor symptoms and do not need medical care. Most people with symptoms who tested for COVID-19 have a negative test. If you have a mild case, your doctor may advise you to treat your symptoms at home. Staying home also helps prevent you from exposing other people to the disease. For those who have a more severe case, call before you head to the urgent care or emergency room. That will help the medical team prepare for your arrival so that you can receive the best possible care. It will also help protect other people from your infection. Here are the numbers for FCT and Lagos State.
Should I be tested for COVID-19?
If exposed to COVID-19, contact the NCDC numbers. Moreso, there are currently no restrictions on COVID-19 testing. However, priority is to those who have come into the country from countries with significant COVID-19 cases such as China, France, Spain, Dubai, the US, etc. If you feel symptomatic, kindly call your doctor.
Am I going to die if I am positive?
The mortality rate of COVID-19 is relatively low, and it is possible to recover from the disease quickly. If you test positive, you will be isolated to protect you and others, and qualified doctors will take care of you. We hope that you remain as calm as possible and avoid panicking as much as possible. Find a reason to live and don’t GIVE up.
What should I do to keep myself and those close to me safe?
The most important steps to take are the same as for every cold and flu season:
- Wash your hands regularly for at least 40 seconds with soap and hot water.
- Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 70% alcohol content.
- Stay home if you are feeling ill or NOT.
- If you experience symptoms, call your doctor. They will help you determine if you need to be seen and provide you with instructions for seeking medical care.
- Stay and work from home as much as you can.
To curb the spread, please follow the simple instruction of the NDCD and respect social distancing by avoiding large groups of people, including
- Public places and gatherings where there will be close contact with others.
2. Stay at least 6 feet away from people
These precautionary measures would not only protect yourself but as well as others.
What should I be doing for my oral health?
Here are a few steps to take in order to maintain proper oral hygiene while we fight against the pandemic.
- Brush at least twice a day for at least 2 minutes
- Floss after eating
- Use a tongue scraper if necessary
- Keep a healthy diet and keep an eye on the sugars
- Be active – do some sports.
- Keep smiling
I have been calling Smile360 and cannot reach anyone. What should I do?
Please wait until you hear back from us. Alternatively, send us a text, and we will call you again. If it is an emergency and you can’t reach us, kindly speak to us via our live chat on this website and speak to one of our agents 24/7.
Where can I learn more about COVID-19?
It is important to note that there is a lot of false information circulating online. Please only use the verified sources such as WHO and the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control. You could also go through the COVID-19 Self Isolation Guide