How The Pandemic Has Affected Oral Health
Due to the pandemic, dental care was limited to emergencies only. Therefore, ongoing dental treatment, dental exams and cleanings were not available. This situation along with other factors has undeniably harmed our oral health
Factors that have impacted oral health due to the pandemic:
•Stress related dental issues - teeth grinding and jaw clenching on the rise
•Increase in cracked and broken teeth
•Cavities
•Change in diet - more people relying on fast food or more processed less healthy foods due to availability
•Snacking more often
•Poor oral hygiene
•Consuming more alcohol
•Stress and depression were both more prevalent (oral health may have been neglected)
•Fear of going to the dentist during a pandemic. (Even in the case of a dental emergency) Therefore, the problem only worsened
•Dental care availability ( existing issues not being treated )
•More people turning to online sources for dental advice
•People losing their jobs and their insurance during the pandemic, creating financial insecurity
A positive note :
Our world is opening up again and the stress and uncertainties of the pandemic are dissipating. It is now time to return to your normal oral hygiene routine. Most importantly regular dental exams and cleanings.
Oshawa Centre Dental Office remained open during the height of the pandemic for emergencies only. We followed the strictest of safety protocols then and we will continue to adhere to them now and in the future.
At OCD, the safety of our patients and staff remains our top priority!
Call us today to book your dental exam and cleaning. Your OCD team is looking forward to welcoming you back!