My mother (90) advised me that she wants to go to the dentist for a cleaning. Am I being unreasonable?

I'm all about dental health and have seen some horrific stuff due to simple ignorance about dental cleanings.

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.

Sounds as though your Mom has kept her teeth this long. It sounds also as though she is determined. I think speaking with the dentist, asking if he and other staff in contact will do test if you provide it, might be a good compromise. We are in the third year of this epidemic as of February. It doesn't appear to be going anywhere. If Mom is fully vaccinated, I would go ahead with oral hygiene. I agree with RealyReal that bad hygiene, gum infections, can kill. My vote goes to our continuing dental care. I understand your dilemma and feelings.

Oral health is vitally important for our overall health. Bad dental hygiene can kill you.

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.

She just got over bronchitis and if she was on any antibiotics they say it can weaken your immune system for 3 to 6 months. I would make the appointment for 3 months out. The cleaning is not life and death and it wouldn't hurt to wait a few months to get it done.

Yes you are being unreasonable. The dentists are VERY careful and take a lot of precautions because they are so close to you. Let her go.

If your mother feels uncomfortable and she wants to attend her dentist for her routine scale and polish, then yes it is unreasonable to obstruct this. I expect you'll find the dentist's office has precautionary measures in place: why not ring and ask them what their policy is? They may want proof of vaccination and/or a negative test before they'll see her anyway.

Take her.
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.

Yes, take her. Dentists are all about the hygiene and PPE, etc. so it's as "safe" a place to go as any.

Take her to the dentist. Oral health is very important, especially as we age. So many start losing teeth partially due to improper care.

Health care providers have requirements in place to keep patients as safe as they possibly can.