When will dentists reopen for non-emergency appointments in Wales?
Routine dental appointments have been postponed in Wales since the start of the lockdown in order to reduce the spread of coronavirus.
Although emergency treatments - like extractions - have remained available at urgent care centres and some surgeries, more routine procedures have been postponed due to the risk posed to both patients and dental staff.
In England, dentists were told they could return to work on 8th June. But in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, a phased return is expected.
When will dental surgeries in Wales reopen for routine care?
The return of routine dental care in Wales will be phased in, beginning July 1st.
In the first phase, urgent dental centres and dental practices will introduce more treatments - and a full range of care, including fillings, will be available at some dental practices to those in urgent need.
In the second phase, a full range of care will be available in more practices and prioritised for people who need treatment, including those who have had treatment delayed because of the pandemic.
In the third and final phase, routine check-ups for people with no dental problems and good oral health will be resumed.
No dates have been announced by the Welsh Government for the beginning of phase two or phase three.
"It won't be that all treatments will be available from the start", said Dr Tom Bysouth, Chair of the Welsh General Dental Practice Committee. "It will be a gradual opening up and it may take some time."
Why can't routine treatments resume sooner?
Many dental procedures, such as fillings or scaling, use drills and other tools which generate aerosol - meaning they create spray.
That spray could risk spreading the virus, which is why dentists have been asked to stop routine activity for the time being.
In April, Professor Mike Lewis, who is a dentist and professor at Cardiff University, told ITV Wales: "The dental environment is coronavirus heaven".
He explained: "[The virus] is present in saliva and a lot of the dental equipment like a drill or an ultrasonic scaler create what are called aerosols and that's spraying the virus, if it's present, into the room's atmosphere. It will stay present for many hours", he said.
He described it as "an absolute nightmare" in terms of trying to keep safe while treating patients. "It's like sneezing a thousand times over."
Will things be different when they do reopen?
Expect social distancing, fewer appointments at any one time, increased hygiene measures and your dentist to be wearing PPE.
"One can expect all the usual social distancing measures", said Dr Tom Bysouth, Chair of the Welsh General Dental Practice Committee.
"So it might be that more appointments are staggered, it might be that practices alter the way they see you and the way they look after you, doing more things remotely to minimise the time you spend in the surgery.
"But it's vital to know that practices are doing all they can to provide safe treatment."
What should I do in the meantime if I have toothache?
Dental surgeries are still taking calls from patients who are experiencing problems.
The Welsh Government says 10,000 people have been seen in practices since the start of lockdown and 125,000 consultations have been provided remotely, via phone or video services. Pain relief and antibiotics can be prescribed where necessary.
Fifteen urgent dental care centres are also open across Wales. These centres are able to provide treatment in the most urgent of cases - including extractions, opening teeth to drain abscesses and treating traumatic injuries.
When will things go back to normal?
In a letter sent to dentists and health boards last month, Wales' Chief Dental Officer Colette Bridgman said it was "clear that ‘normal’ routine dental activity, as we understand it, cannot resume in the short to even medium term."
In a statement published on Saturday, she said the return of services would be in line with the Welsh Government's approach to easing lockdown.
"Coronavirus has not gone away and it is likely we will be living with the virus and its consequences for some time to come. The return of dental services will be gradual, in line with the Welsh Government’s cautious, wider approach to easing lockdown.
"We are very grateful to everyone who has been waiting for treatment during lockdown and will do our best to ensure everyone is treated as soon as it is possible to do so safely. Please continue to be patient and to enable those with the greatest needs to be treated first."
How can I take the best care of my teeth in the meantime?
The NHS advises all of us to brush our teeth twice a day for around 2 minutes using a flouride toothpaste.
Flossing, or using an interdental brush, is also advised on a daily basis to remove food, debris and plaque lodged between your teeth.
The NHS also advises trying to cut down on sugar and alcohol and avoiding smoking, as all of these things can adversely affect your teeth, gums and mouth.
And if you are a parent, it's advised that you help and encourage your children to follow a healthy dental routine, and start brushing your baby's teeth as soon as they come through, usually at around six months.