Two years into the COVID-19 pandemic in the U.S., dentists have seen a sharp increase in oral health problems like sensitivity, jaw pain, and fractured teeth as compared to previous years. Social distancing and face masks may have been the related topics in the headlines, but oral health struggles have been an issue, as well. Keep reading to learn about the relationship between the pandemic and oral health, ways to protect your smile, and how your emergency dentist can help with problems like cracked teeth in Frisco.
The COVID-19 Pandemic’s Effect on Oral Health
Dating back to the first U.S. lockdown in March 2020, there has been a major uptick in oral health issues in people of all demographics. The reason: pandemic-related anxiety. Stress stemming from uncertainty about the future has caused many people to grind or clench their teeth, which results in cracks and chips.
Other pandemic-related problems taking their toll on teeth have included not getting enough sleep, more snacking due to working from home, and skipping routine dental checkups due to stay-at-home orders or general reluctance to go out in public. While these issues may be dissipating in 2022, perhaps the damage is already done for those with teeth trouble.
Tips to Protect Your Teeth in the Pandemic and Beyond
Fortunately, the negative smile-related effects of COVID-19 are largely preventable. With this in mind, make sure to:
- Be intentional about relaxing your jaw throughout the day.
- If you grind your teeth at night, wear a nightguard or retainer.
- Don’t snack on sugary foods between meals.
- Prioritize your sleep health.
- Implement a solid at-home oral hygiene routine.
- Visit your dentist every six months for a dental checkup and cleaning.
How Can Your Dentist Help?
Your dentist’s role in your oral health isn’t just to detect cavities. In reality, they are your greatest ally in keeping your smile in pristine condition, whether that means providing you with a custom nightguard, thoroughly cleaning your teeth at your six-month checkup, or conducting a root canal to save a badly decayed tooth. From routine visits to last-minute emergency dentistry, they are always a phone call away to ensure you can smile confidently and chew pain-free.
Two years in, you’ve witnessed all of the ways COVID-19 has affected American lives. If you are struggling with oral pain, think you may have cracked teeth in Frisco, or need to schedule a dental checkup and cleaning, then don’t wait to get in touch with your dental team.
About the Practice
At Stonebriar Smile Design, we have four dentists with one common goal – to give our patients the chance to enjoy beautiful smiles along with healthy bodies for years to come. To that end, we work alongside other physicians to manage your overall health and well-being, and we have strived to ensure that our team is as highly trained as possible. If the pandemic has taken a toll on your teeth, we are ready to be your emergency dentist in Frisco. We offer sedation dentistry and flexible financing is available, so give us a call at (469) 361-0081 so we can get you in for an appointment as soon as possible.
