Dental health and oral hygiene are often overlooked when it comes to maintaining our health. Oral problems, such as tooth decay and periodontal disease, are only one of many issues which can arise from neglecting to take care of our teeth. The Covid 19 pandemic has had a highly significant impact on the public’s dental health.
Number of Cases of Tooth Decay
As a result of the outbreak of Covid 19, civilians subjected to the virulent strain of the virus have had a disproportionately high number of cases of tooth decay. The virus attacks and destroys the body’s immune system allowing opportunistic bacteria to colonize and grow on our teeth. This process damages the teeth’ enamel and can eventually lead to total tooth decay, making it susceptible to decay.
Number of Cases of Periodontal Disease
One of the diseases often associated with tooth decay is periodontal disease. It is a condition that affects the gums and underlying bone supporting the teeth, causing them to recede and become loose. The strain of the virus has made it easier for civilians to contract this disease as it weakens their immune system, making them more susceptible to infections that can cause periodontal disease.
Lack of Regular Dental Care
Due to the outbreak of Covid 19, most civilians have found it harder to maintain good dental hygiene. In a time of hardship and financial crisis, many people have limited access to dentists to receive regular checks up and treatment. It leads to a cycle in which civilians neglect their teeth and fail to take matters into their own hands when they begin to notice signs and symptoms of tooth decay or periodontal disease.
Quarantine
Many towns and cities have been quarantined due to the risk caused by civilians that have contracted the virus. It has caused high levels of stress and means that civilians can no longer account for the income they need to pay for dental treatment.
Dentistry Prices
Many emergency clinics have closed with the shortage of dentists and civilians’ difficulty traveling to them. It has increased the costs of having a dental check-up increase and has led to people going without proper dental care until they are struck down by tooth decay or periodontal disease.
Neglect in Dentistry Research
With the abundance of research being done on Covid 19, the public has had little time to focus on the importance of their dental health. As a result, research into dental care has not progressed very far, and treatments are still expensive, out of reach for many civilians in need, and potentially harmful to their oral health.
Conclusion
Covid 19 has had a significant impact on the public’s dental health and oral hygiene. The outbreak has negatively affected the availability of urgent dental care and the ease with which we can get information about healthy habits and treatments for diseases. Dental problems are largely preventable and should be taken regularly to maintain good oral hygiene.