COVID-19 to Blame for Americans Failing Dental Health

A recent survey commissioned by the American Association of Endodontists revealed that more than half of Americans say that the COVID-19 pandemic has caused them to put off general dental check-ups. The survey also showed that the pandemic is takings its toll on those working or studying remotely when it comes to changes to their daily dental hygiene routine. Significant findings include:

• 31% were snacking more on sweets
• 28% didn’t schedule or forgot to schedule a dental visit
• 1 in 4 said they waited until later in the morning to brush their teeth, while 21% didn’t brush in the morning at all
• 24% are flossing less frequently and 23% aren’t flossing at all
• Millennials more frequently reported experiencing dental disruptions, with 43% of those surveyed indicating that working from home or attending virtual classes from home led to disruptions to their usual dental hygiene habits.

Clearly, the pandemic is causing a major disruption in Americans’ dental habits, which is leading to more serious tooth problems. However, even with the pandemic, 60% say experiencing tooth pain that won’t go away would lead them to make a dental appointment.

When it comes to tooth pain, it’s important to know that an endodontist is a toothache sufferer’s greatest ally. It’s also important to remember that it is extremely safe to visit the endodontist in the era of COVID-19, with endodontists practicing the utmost caution and disinfection protocol. Even at the height of the U.S.’s COVID-19 shutdown period in the spring of 2020, most endodontic practices remained open to safely treat dental emergencies.

To keep emergency rooms clear, in the case of a dental emergency, you should continue to seek an endodontist instead of dialing 911.

Edited by Maryssa Gordon, Senior Editor, Price of Business Digital Network