The 2020 COVID-19 pandemic changed life vastly for many Americans. Many lost their jobs, many work less or are on unemployment. Some people have gone through career switches and now work in completely different fields. Almost everyone has at least some experience telecommuting. Family life has been stressed, as kids are home 24/7, and they can’t go visit extended family or go to school in some situations.
But what about our dental health? Just about everyone has seen some decline in their upkeep, many people report showering and grooming less. It’s hard to keep dressing nicely when there is no reason to leave the house as well. Unfortunately, there have been some specific changes in dental health thanks to the pandemic.
Less upkeep
People are weary of dental check-ups
The conditions at the dental office require mask removal. This can result in saliva and water droplets (the main transmission vector of the disease) traveling through the air. This means that fewer people have been going in for their semiannual dental visits, and thus peoples’ dental health begins to fall by the wayside. Despite a study by the Journal of the American Dental Association that shows transmission of COVID-19 during a dental visit to be unlikely, people are still visiting their dentists less frequently.
Less regular maintenance
Along with the loneliness and depression people are experiencing while being isolated also comes less body maintenance. Many people have put on weight, clean less often, and of course, take care of their teeth with less regularity.
This means that preexisting conditions like gingivitis or periodontitis can become worse without regular brushing and flossing. These existing conditions can lead to worse outcomes, like heart disease (yes, gum disease can lead to heart disease), and arthritis.
It’s important to say now more than ever, that you should keep up your oral health as good as you can.
- Brush at least twice a day, once in the morning, and once in the evening before bed.
- Floss once a day, preferably in the evening.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Avoid sugary foods that stick to the teeth.
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Avoid too much food that is acidic and stains teeth, like coffee.
New symptoms thanks to pandemic stress
One thing that people have had to deal with thanks to the pandemic is extra stress. When you have a regular job, it’s no worry where you will get money for your bills or to buy food. When you aren’t working because of lockdown, that becomes a big issue. Many people hold their stress in their muscles, this results in tension and tooth grinding.
Bruxism
Bruxism describes jaw clenching and tooth grinding. It is usually something people do in stressful situations. It can occur during sleep especially, but also while someone is awake. The back and forth motion of the teeth against each other
When not treated, it can lead to some highly destructive tooth effects:
- Erosion of the surface of the teeth.
- Jaw, neck, and face pain.
- Fractures in the teeth.
- Sleep disruption.
- Severe headaches.
What can you do about it? As Bruxism is a stress-related condition, the best thing you can do is try stress management techniques. If you notice you are clenching your jaw an awful lot, try the following:
- Avoid smoking.
- Take a nightly walk.
- Warm bath or shower.
- Breathing exercises.
- Listen to calming music.
Ensure your smile is its brightest for when the pandemic is finally over
Be ready for when you can see people again with your brightest smile! At Josey Lane Dentistry, we are happy to help you take the best care of your teeth. We offer facial and oral surgery, crowns and bridges, cleaning and check ups, and much more. We also offer advice on how to take the best care of your teeth from day to day. We have been proudly serving the Carrollton Texas area since 2003. Send us a message today to see what we can do for you.
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