In the third episode of the SMILE podcast, globally recognized facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Babak Azizzadeh and Dr. Katrin Azizzadeh, a board-certified family dentist with extensive experience in non-aggressive cosmetic and general dentistry, discuss what it takes to maintain clean, healthy oral health teeth during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Dr. Katrin Azizzadeh also offers tips and recommendations to help people identify and mitigate oral health issues throughout the pandemic.
A Closer Look at the Link Between the COVID-19 Pandemic and Oral Health
The COVID-19 pandemic has had major effects on dental practices across the United States. Although dental practices dedicated significant time and resources to maintain clean spaces for patients before the pandemic, the crisis has led to new hygiene requirements. This has led dental practices to take additional precautions to further protect their dental hygienists, patients, and others against the spread of COVID-19.
COVID-19 also led many dental practices to temporarily reduce their services to help combat COVID-19. At this time, dental practices may have offered emergency dental services, but they also may have cut back on the frequency of patient cleanings. Some dental practices may have offered virtual consultations in which a dentist and patient can engage with one another to discuss oral health issues via video chat as well.
Stress and anxiety caused by the COVID-19 pandemic may have led people to ignore their teeth, too. As people grew increasingly concerned about the pandemic, they may have inadvertently moved away from brushing and flossing their teeth regularly. This can lead to infections and other oral health issues that linger for an extended period of time.
How to Guard Against Oral Health Issues During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Anxiety and stress are common during the COVID-19 pandemic, but people should watch for grinding and clenching of the teeth. These actions can cause teeth fractures that require comprehensive dental work to repair.
A regular oral health routine can go a long way toward maintaining beautiful teeth, particularly during the coronavirus pandemic. People who brush and floss the teeth regularly can remove food particles in the teeth and gums before they damage them. They should also try to avoid the temptation to brush the teeth too hard, as this can cause severe damage to the gums.
It is important to remember that patients can still undergo dental treatments during the COVID-19 pandemic, too. Dental practices are staggering appointments, cleaning all surfaces frequently, and taking other preventative measures to help mitigate the risk of COVID-19 infections. For patients who decide to go to the dentist, they should contact the dental practice beforehand and receive instructions for their visit. That way, patients can prepare for the visit accordingly.
Manage Oral Health Issues During the COVID-19 Pandemic
When it comes to oral health during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is crucial to be diligent. Cavities, gingivitis, and other oral health issues can escalate quickly. But, for people who keep an eye out for any oral health problems, they can identify and resolve these issues before they cause long-term damage to the teeth and gums.
Listen to episode three of the SMILE podcast to learn more about how people can manage oral health issues throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.