The arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic in the U.S. in the early months of 2020 sparked the mass closing of public offices and medical facilities. This has led to many experts detailing a public health crisis during the COVID-19 era. Whether you are regularly visiting a South Tampa dentist or looking to find a new dental practice to visit, you will see extreme caution being taken by dental professionals around the nation, according to the CDC.
The Spread of COVID-19
Experts have stated the spread of COVID-19 has not been a respecter of reputations of social positioning. However, the latest research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has revealed the areas of the U.S. where socio-economic issues are a problem are also the areas where COVID-19 has spread the fastest. Oral health is part of a wider problem of good medical health and is an issue in the spread of the virus across the U.S. The spread of the virus is affected by various factors, including social issues, such as alcohol and tobacco use. Medical issues are speeding the spread of the virus, including the problem of poor dental health leading to a greater spread of the virus.
Dental Health and the Spread of the Virus
Poor dental health can negatively affect a person in many ways. The oral health of people is part of their overall ability to stay healthy throughout the pandemic and whenever the COVID-19 crisis disappears. COVID-19 is a medical issue that has negatively affected almost every aspect of life, including the regular dental visits we all take for granted. Kids Health reports the issue of cavities can affect children and adults alike and grows worse over the life of any person who begins to be affected by tooth decay.
The closure of dental offices from March 2020 to the present day has created the potential for an epidemic across the U.S. of tooth decay. The issue of tooth decay is one that should not be taken lightly, but the use of excellent oral health at home can lead to better overall health for people of all ages. The keys to avoiding oral health issues during the pandemic include regular brushing, flossing, and avoiding junk foods.
A Return to the Dental Office
The COVID-19 pandemic has not subsided in its impact on the people of the U.S., but most dental offices have opened their doors to patients. Whether you are affected by dental issues or have missed a checkup over the course of 2020, you should look to return to the dentist’s chair as quickly as possible to avoid the long-term effects of missed dental care. Even before the onset of the pandemic, it was clear the best option was to create a dental home where your family can enjoy top-quality dental care. In the era of the COVID-19 virus, you should find a South Tampa dentist you feel comfortable with and attend your visits regularly.
The Issue of Mask Mouth
One of the side effects of the use of face coverings and social distancing has been the growing issue of mask mouth, which affects millions of people around the world. This is not an issue that has been identified at the top-level of academic research, but local dentists have seen a change in oral health because of the use of face masks. Members of the Ontario Dental Association reported the phenomenon to CTV News because of the seriousness of this problem.
Dentists have reported their patients are upset at the decay of their teeth and bad breath during the pandemic when they have worn a face covering for a prolonged period of time. Dental professionals have been explaining the need for higher levels of dental hygiene are vital to protecting your teeth during the pandemic. The phenomenon of mask mouth is not caused by the wearing of face coverings but by bad oral hygiene. Most dental professionals agree the issue has more to do with patients failing to care for their teeth and gums correctly because they are wearing a face covering the majority of the time. Our South Tampa dentist believes one of the keys to remaining healthy during the pandemic is to maintain high levels of personal oral hygiene.