Recognizing these can help prevent simple dental problems from becoming worse
The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a toll on oral health. Because of the current fear of getting sick, people have either avoided seeing their dentist or have been unable to go because of dental office shutdowns. Unfortunately, the consequences are being seen now.
In 2021, the American Dental Association (ADA) Health Policy Institute surveyed a group of dentists. Over 30 percent said their patients had more tooth decay — including cavities and gum disease — than before the pandemic. Among those surveyed, over 70 percent had seen significant increases in patient stress-related conditions, like teeth grinding and clenching. These dentists also reported seeing a rise in chipped and cracked teeth as well as temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) symptoms like headaches and jaw pain.
Tooth decay is damaging to the tooth’s surface, which is called enamel. It happens when bacteria in your mouth create acids that attack your tooth enamel. When these bacteria combine with food, they form a soft, sticky film called plaque. The bacteria in plaque use the sugars and starches in the food you eat and drink to make acids. Those acids can eat away at the minerals on your tooth enamel. Over time, plaque that isn’t removed can harden into tartar. Plaque and tartar not only erode your teeth but can also irritate your gums, leading to gum disease.
“The American Dental Association recommends two visits a year to prevent decay,” says Leena Palomo, professor and chair of periodontology and implant dentistry at New York University College of Dentistry. Keeping teeth healthy requires daily care, including regular brushing and flossing, that can help you keep an eye on your teeth for any developing problems. The earlier problems are detected, the more likely your dentist can successfully treat them. Once you’ve started seeing or feeling problems like tooth sensitivity and bleeding gums, tooth decay may have already begun, Palomo adds.
Here are some warning signs of dental decay…
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6 Warning Signs of Tooth Decay