THE pandemic has had a negative impact on oral health, especially given the bad hygiene practices and dietary changes during lockdowns.
Covid-19 has brought many changes to our lives, and some people have neglected minor aspects of their health like dental care.
The American Dental Association's Health Policy Institute reported that 31 per cent of
people have been snacking more on sweets, 21 per cent confessed that they don't brush teeth in the morning, and 24 per cent say they have been flossing less frequently during this period.
Given that most dental services were suspended, we can anticipate a progression of undiagnosed oral diseases, says Prince Court Medical Centre consultant orthodontist Dr Mumtaj Nisah Abd Rahim.
She explains that more than a quarter of dentists have reported an increase in cavities and gum disease among their patients, likely a result of changes in diet and hygiene.
Patients have faced difficulty in accessing dental services and they are also fearful of visiting dentists due to exposure to Covid-19. These have negatively impacted the continuous care for orthodontic treatment (braces).
"Tooth decay can be stopped in its tracks or even reversed if detected early. Untreated, such decay may reach the nerve, hence requiring a more involved procedure, such as root canal and crown, or possibly extraction and dental implants."
STICKING TO CHECK-UPS
While it may be convenient to skip a few dental visits, Dr Mumtaj cautions against doing so as oral health is part of a person's physical, emotional and psychological wellbeing.
"It's already clear that oral and full-body health are linked. Gum diseases have been associated with a wide array of disorders, including diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, cardiovascular disease and even respiratory infections."
Diabetes increases the risk of oral health problems and gum disease is linked to high blood sugar levels, which may predispose you to type 2 diabetes.
In addition, data from the National Institute of Health found that people with bleeding gums and periodontal disease have a higher likelihood of developing age-related cognitive problems, including Alzheimer's and dementia.
Brush your teeth for a minimum of two minutes, at least twice daily. The longer you brush, the more plaque you'll remove. Don't forget to floss at least once a day and use a fluoridated mouthwash.
Dr Mumtaj says tooth decay is primarily a dietary ailment — the bacterium from refined carbs is bad news and sticky snacks, such as toffee and caramel that stick onto teeth and stay there, are particularly damaging.
The Malaysian Dental Association recommends regular professional cleaning to remove plaque and tartar build-up that brushing alone cannot eliminate.
"It is perfectly safe to attend your dental appointments as many special precautions have been taken, and stringent standard operating procedures are in place to safeguard patients as well as healthcare workers."
For those wearing braces or have other orthodontic issues, it's imperative that they stick to their check-ups.
Dr Mumtaj says she recently came across a 15-year-old patient who had neglected his dental hygiene during the pandemic.
"Due to poor oral hygiene and frequent snacking, the brackets on his braces were broken and there were also early signs of tooth decay."
Dr Mumtaj stresses that it is imperative to remain motivated — practise exemplary oral hygiene and consume a low sugar diet and, where possible, avoid snacking on food and drinks with added sugar, especially fizzy drinks.
There is also a link between lockdown stress and tooth grinding. An American Dental Association survey early this year found that more than half of dentists were seeing an increase in stress-related conditions among patients.
These included teeth grinding, cracked and chipped teeth, and symptoms of temporomandibular joint dysfunction, like jaw pain.
"Due to the pandemic and lockdowns, the feeling of isolation, increased stress and tension have resulted in bruxism," says Dr Mumtaj.
However, there are several treatments for teeth grinding, she adds.
Using a mouth guard or mouth splint at night reduces the sensation of grinding your teeth. Other treatments include muscle-relaxation exercises and sleep hygiene. If you have stress or anxiety, cognitive behavioural therapy may be recommended.
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