PANDEMIC-RELATED DENTAL PROBLEMS ARE COMMON While the American Dental Association hasn't done a survey to verify an increase in dental problems since the pandemic started, reports of pandemic-related dental problems are common, and sales of mouthguards to prevent people from grinding their teeth are up. A combination of delayed care and stress have led some dentists to see cracked teeth, sore jaws, and cavities. Besides delayed care and stress, lax oral hygiene may be the cause for some of the dental issues. People get out of their routine, and that often includes the oral hygiene habits. With work-at-home routines common, snacking is probably more common than it was when days were spent on site working. And, with mainly Zoom or phone meetings to attend, no one's the wiser if you skip toothbrushing. If you are staying home all the time, there may be a postural change, as you are hunched over your computer. That can affect your teeth and worsen grinding. While some patients remain fearful of returning to the dentist, dentists have long taken infection control seriously. The American Dental Association (ADA) and CDC have protocols in place for dentists to follow during the pandemic. Among the many recommendations are to clean and disinfect surfaces such as the dental chair, light, drawer handles, and countertops between patients. Dental staff wear protective equipment such as gloves, masks, gowns, and eyewear. Presented as a service to the community by Dr. Barbara Webster 1121 Warren Ave., Suite 130, Downers Grove, IL 60515 630-663-0554 SM-CL 1868207 PANDEMIC-RELATED DENTAL PROBLEMS ARE COMMON While the American Dental Association hasn't done a survey to verify an increase in dental problems since the pandemic started, reports of pandemic-related dental problems are common, and sales of mouthguards to prevent people from grinding their teeth are up. A combination of delayed care and stress have led some dentists to see cracked teeth, sore jaws, and cavities. Besides delayed care and stress, lax oral hygiene may be the cause for some of the dental issues. People get out of their routine, and that often includes the oral hygiene habits. With work-at-home routines common, snacking is probably more common than it was when days were spent on site working. And, with mainly Zoom or phone meetings to attend, no one's the wiser if you skip toothbrushing. If you are staying home all the time, there may be a postural change, as you are hunched over your computer. That can affect your teeth and worsen grinding. While some patients remain fearful of returning to the dentist, dentists have long taken infection control seriously. The American Dental Association (ADA) and CDC have protocols in place for dentists to follow during the pandemic. Among the many recommendations are to clean and disinfect surfaces such as the dental chair, light, drawer handles, and countertops between patients. Dental staff wear protective equipment such as gloves, masks, gowns, and eyewear. Presented as a service to the community by Dr. Barbara Webster 1121 Warren Ave., Suite 130, Downers Grove, IL 60515 630-663-0554 SM-CL 1868207