The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about many changes in our daily lives, some of them affecting our health and well-being. One area that has seen a significant impact is oral health.
During the pandemic, our oral health and how we care for our teeth changed. Here, we explore these changes and their potential long-term impact on oral health.
Lack of Preventative Care
The pandemic has disrupted routine dental visits and preventive care for many individuals. With many people canceling appointments, there were reduced dental visits for diagnostics, oral surgery, dental sealants, and gum care, all of which can help prevent oral health issues [1].
As a result, many adults and children missed out on essential preventive treatments, which continues to have an impact on their oral health in the form of cavities and gum disease.
Increased Teeth Grinding
Stress and anxiety levels skyrocketed during the pandemic. The toll of the pandemic on mental health has led to an increase in teeth grinding and clenching, also known as bruxism.
Bruxism can cause tooth damage, jaw pain, and headaches. It can also lead to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain and facial muscle pain, as well as broken or chipped teeth [2].
Teeth grinding typically happens at night when people may be unaware that they are doing it, making it less likely that they would seek help for the condition
More TMJ-Related Pain and Discomfort
During the pandemic, more dental patients reported TMJ-related pain, including muscle pain in the face and neck [3]. Although the reason for increased TMJ pain isn’t clear, poor posture due to remote work and increased bruxism may have contributed.
Patients with TMJ symptoms may also have difficulty opening their mouth all the way, pain when chewing, and clicking or popping noises when moving their jaw.
Evolving Dental Care Based on the Pandemic
While the pandemic has brought about challenges, it has also provided an opportunity to reimagine oral health care to better serve patients.
Dental professionals have adapted to the pandemic by implementing strict infection control measures, including enhanced personal protective equipment (PPE) usage, air filtration systems, and improved sanitation protocols to protect staff and patients.
Telehealth, or teledentistry, has also emerged as a viable alternative for non-emergency consultations and guidance, allowing patients to receive oral health advice remotely when they cannot get to the dentist or are sick [4].
The pandemic has also shed light on the importance of integrating oral health into overall healthcare, emphasizing preventive care and early intervention. As a growing body of research shows the link between oral health and overall health, especially concerning COVID-19, it’s imperative to maintain proper oral hygiene [5].
Keep Taking Care of Your Smile
As we continue to navigate through life post-pandemic, it’s more important than ever to prioritize oral health. Scheduling regular dental check-ups, maintaining a healthy oral hygiene routine, and seeking care promptly for any dental issues are essential for your preserving oral health and overall well-being.
Sources:
1. https://jada.ada.org/article/S0002-8177(23)00454-3/fulltext
2. https://www.agd.org/constituent/news/2022/07/11/the-effects-of-the-covid-19-
pandemic-on-bruxism
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11015653/
4. https://www.cdc.gov/pcd/issues/2020/20_0266.htm
5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9088593/
