This past year has been difficult, as we’ve all had to make several changes to combat the spread of COVID. While spending more time at home, you might have missed your routine cleaning and checkup because dental offices have been closed. Unfortunately, skipping semi-annual appointments and the stress of coronavirus has resulted in many avoidable oral health issues. Here’s the connection between dental emergencies and COVID.
Dental Emergencies & COVID Pandemic
You might never expect it to happen to you, but 1 in 6 Americans need an emergency dentist annually. The risk of unexpected dental issues has increased amid the coronavirus shutdowns because many offices have been closed for all services except emergency and urgent care. If you’re like many people, you may have missed your 6-month cleaning and checkup, so there might be an untreated dental problem lingering in your mouth, like a cavity. Without prompt intervention, it can turn into a toothache caused by an infection that requires immediate attention to treat.
In addition to delayed dental care, dentists across the nation are seeing a rise in oral health complications caused by stress. Believe it or not, stress can affect your teeth. Often, it can lead to a condition called bruxism, which is grinding and clenching your teeth. The pressure and friction increase the risk of fractures, loose teeth, and jaw soreness.
If your oral hygiene habits have slipped during the pandemic, you might have an unplanned trip to your dentist in the future. Staying home more often has led to frequent snacking and poor oral hygiene habits that can affect the health of your teeth and gums.
Restoring a Healthy Smile
As cases of coronavirus decrease, dental offices are reopening to accommodate patients who need preventive services. If you haven’t been able to see your dentist, now is the perfect time to schedule an appointment. With new dental safety protocols in place, you can feel confident the dentist is the cleanest place you’ll visit all day.
Your dental hygienist will remove any plaque or tartar buildup that has accumulated since your last visit. Afterward, your dentist will carefully examine your smile to look for any concerns, like weakened enamel, fractures, or signs of bruxism. They’ll create the customized plan you need to prevent it from turning into a dental emergency, like treating a break with a crown or creating a mouthguard for teeth grinding.
If you have an oral health problem that can’t wait until your next preventive appointment, contact your dentist right away. They’ll provide the quick care you need to rehabilitate your smile.
About Dr. Ernie Costello
Dr. Costello earned his dental degree from the West Virginia School of Dentistry. He has completed advanced training in modern endodontic therapy to treat dental emergencies. No matter if you need a cleaning and checkup or an emergency dentist, Dr. Costello has the qualifications and experience you can trust. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment.