Month: November 2020

The Effects of Quarantine on Oral Health

The Effects of Quarantine on Oral Health

Dentist offices across the nation – and globe – had been advised to close one COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) was declared a global pandemic this past March.  All routine appointments had to be rescheduled for a later date, which at the time was the X factor in all of this.  Here in Maryland, Dr. Adesanya’s office, along with all other dental practices, resumed routine care in May.  Reopening of dental offices during COVID-19 meant having to implement some new policies and procedures to ensure the safety and well-being of both staff and patients.  The effects of the quarantine on oral health hasn’t necessarily been a good one.

Reopening in May

Upon being allowed to resume routine care, Dr. Adesanya released a statement with the following, “Our office follows infection control recommendations made by the American Dental Association (ADA), the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). We follow the activities of these agencies so that we are up-to-date on any new rulings or guidance that may be issued. We do this to make sure that our infection control procedures are current and adhere to each agencies’ recommendations.”  This information was put out to inform patients that not only is Dr. Adesanya’s office taking all of the proper precautions, but they’re actually going above and beyond what is mandated.

The Quarantine and Oral Health

From the time dental offices closed their doors in mid-March through their reopening in mid-May, patients went two months without routine dental care.  Fewer people visiting their dentists for routine care or otherwise may be a good thing for dental insurers, but for everyone else, it means delaying checkups and cleanings that could reveal issues such as cavities that need to be tended to sooner than later.

Dental offices weren’t the only thing to close amidst COVID-19.  In fact, it was every business that was deemed non-essential.  This meant remote work for many and furloughs for others.  It meant prolonged quarantining in our homes and for some, a decrease in their level of personal and oral hygiene.  If your first Zoom meeting isn’t until 11am, it may be easy to pass over brushing your teeth in the morning.

Quarantining is also responsible for brining on new habits for individuals.  Some became addicted to online shopping, some picked up some new hobbies and some began unhealthy habits such as smoking, drinking, consuming sugar-filled comfort foods like sweets and sodas.  If you fall into the latter category, you’re not alone.

The Burden of 2020

Along with these sudden and dramatic changes brought on by the pandemic, came a fair share of stress.  From worrying about contracting the virus to financial hardships, 2020 has had more than a fair share of stress.

Stress can contribute to things such as teeth grinding, clenching, gum disease, dry mouth and more.  It can also cause your body to have high levels of cortisol which can increase those food cravings for sugary and fatty foods and is also associated with increased hunger hormones.

Cortisol is a steroid hormone in your body that regulates a wide range of processes from your metabolism to your immune response.  Perhaps one of the things cortisol is most commonly known for though, is the role it plays in your body’s response to stress – hence the cravings and increased hunger.

Dentist in Bowie, Maryland

All of this and more is why if you haven’t already rescheduled (or scheduled) your appointment with Dr. Adesanya, you should give his office a call today.  2020 has not been kind to many things, oral health included, so make sure your routine care is up to date to avoid any more unpleasant surprises 2020 may have in store (at least for your oral health).  Get in touch today by sending a secure message via our website or by calling: 301-464-1800.