My Mother just recently got over a bout of bronchitis. With everything going on. I’m very careful if we have to go somewhere. She informed me that she wants to go to the dentist for a cleaning. Due to her age, Covid and general health I don’t think it’s a good idea. Am I being unreasonable?
Health care providers have requirements in place to keep patients as safe as they possibly can.
The precautions the dentist takes should make the visit safe.
As long as she wants to go, is compliant oral health is important.
Do disclose that she has recently had bronchitis. If she has any other health concerns inform them of that. They will tell you if it is a good idea now or to wait a few weeks for her to fully recover. There is a good possibility that you will not get an appointment real soon anyway.
Take her to the dentist.
Living in fear will destroy your immune system. Take precautions and know that we all have to die of something, so why worry about it. Even when covid was it's deadliest form, only. 02% of people that contracted it died and they ALL had comorbidities that they were already dying from.
So, get those masks, hand sanitizer and get to the dentist. Remember to wash those hands whenever possible, because that is the best way to stop the spread of any virus.
My BIL is TERRIFIED of the dentist and at age 67 has to have sedation to have a cleaning. His health is not great and I've often wondered if the lack of basic dental care has been a contibuting factor.
If you have concerns, call the drs office first. Your mom isn't their only geriatric patient.
And BTW, even 45 years ago when I worked as a dental assistant, the MOST important thing I did was clean, clean, clean all the equipment.
A 'friend' of mine has lost all her teeth (age 63) due to simply not brushing & flossing. Decay got ahead of her. She actually sat at lunch one day and broke a rotted tooth out of her mouth, wrapped it in a napkin and kept eating.
Just, ugh.