Dentist
Virtually everyone has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in some way, large or small. While many of the consequences of lockdowns and quarantines are unavoidable and simply inconvenient, others can have serious health consequences. If you begin slacking on your oral care at home, for example, you may find yourself dealing with tooth decay or worse. In other words, it may be time to schedule an appointment with your dentist.
Let’s take a look at a few ways that quarantine can affect your dental health and how to improve it. Have questions? Contact our dentist at Comfort Dental of Framingham today!
Poor Eating Habits
It is human nature to let down a bit when we are not going out in public as frequently. On a simple level, you may find yourself not shaving as much or keeping your hair looking good as you normally do. Where this becomes a problem is when it begins to affect your health.
Many people have put on quite a few pounds while they were in lockdown. Much of the food that they were eating at this time tended to be rich in carbohydrates and sugars that are known to cause tooth decay. Combine this with not keeping up with regular brushing and flossing, and you have a strong possibility of developing tooth decay.
Neglecting Dental Exams and Cleanings
Keeping up with your regular dental exams and cleanings is more than just about keeping your teeth and smile looking attractive. Dental cleanings involve the removal of plaque that can harden into something called tartar. Left untreated, the situation can result in gum disease and eventual tooth loss.
By simply maintaining your normal dental exams and cleanings in the safe and comfortable environment of our dental office, you’re going a long way in preventing tooth decay and the types of dental problems that can take a real toll on your health and wallet.
Protecting Your General Health
In addition to having negative effects on your mouth, teeth, and gums, not keeping up with good oral hygiene and dental cleanings can have an effect on your heart. Neglecting these areas can cause oral bacteria to get into your bloodstream. At that point, the bacteria can travel throughout your circulatory system and cause atherosclerosis, which is a hardening of arteries that can restrict your blood flow, potentially leading to a heart attack or stroke.
Correcting Problems
If you suspect that you have developed any type of problem with your mouth, teeth or gums during quarantine, please contact our office. Our dentist can examine your smile and recommend the appropriate treatment.
We are also encouraging all patients to keep up with their regular dental exams and cleanings. Don’t put off these important appointments. By detecting and treating any problems that may arise during an early stage, we are giving you your best chance to prevent complex and costly dental treatments that may be required down the road. Please contact our dentist at Comfort Dental of Framingham to schedule your appointment.
