Are you a hugger? Out of the many ways that the pandemic has changed our lives, changing up our greetings has been a difficult one. Unfortunately, it is still a good idea to refrain from direct physical contact in order to protect yourself and others from contracting COVID-19. However, this doesn’t mean that all types of greetings are off limits. Continue reading to learn more from your dentist in Murphy about some creative and appropriate greetings that you can use for your next dental appointment.
Which Greetings Are Off Limits?
Some ways of saying hello are best avoided because of the potential risk of spreading illnesses. Here are some that you should steer clear of until a later time:
- Hugging
- Shaking hands
- High-fives
- Fist bumps
- Cheek kissing (la bise)
What Greetings Should You Be Using Instead?
Fortunately, there are all sorts of greetings out there that involve little to no contact. Here are some of the lower risk greetings that you can try when you are on the go and meeting with others:
- Elbow bump: This is the one that you probably have seem the most people use. It isn’t completely contact-free, but it is much safer than a handshake, simply because most people cannot touch their elbow to their face. It consists of two people bending their right arms and touching elbows. It is still possible to transfer germs, but much safer than handshaking or hugging.
- Curtsy / bow: These types of greetings aren’t in fashion like they used to be, but they are still used often in performances and when meeting with royalty. In order to bow, you lower your head and torso in the direction of another person. A curtsy is the female equivalent and involves a girl or woman bending her knees and bowing her head towards another person. Neither of these greetings involve physical contact.
- Namaste: This traditional Hindu greeting, also known as the “wai” in Thailand, consists of a person placing their palms together with their thumbs at their chest. It is usually spoken with a slight bow of the head. It is popular among southeast Asian countries and doesn’t require direct contact.
- Foot bump: A greeting that has been popularized by the COVID-19 pandemic is the foot bump. This is exactly what it sounds like: two people touching feet.
- Other creative greetings: Other no-contact greetings include air-high fives, peace signs, and jazz hands. If none of these sound appealing to you, try making up one of your own!
Using little to no-contact greetings is just one of the new dental safety protocols that your dentist in Murphy is implementing to keep patients safe. Don’t be afraid to send some their way!
About the Author
After completing her dental degree in India, Dr. Khushboo Gandhi completed the Advanced Education program for international dentists at the Oklahoma College of Dentistry. She is a member of the American Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, and the Texas Dental Association. Dr. Gandhi’s practice is enforcing new dental safety protocols to keep patients and the dental team safe. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit her website or call (972) 532-6506.