Bi-Annual Dental Visits Still Encouraged During Pandemic

As COVID-19 causes stress and anxiety on many people's lives, dentists across the state are reminding their patients not to forget their appointments.

"Grinding or bruxism occurs for various reasons, a lot of times it is due to stress. Often individuals grind at night, sometimes individuals grind during the day," said Roman Garcia, a dentist with OU Children's.  

Stress levels are on the rise thanks to COVID-19, and dentists are seeing the effect on many mouths.

"Enamel, which is the outer surface, is the strongest part of our body. However, when teeth start to grind against each other, which is known as attrition, that can have lasting effects," said Garcia.   

But the risk of spreading COVID-19 at the dentists' office is still very real.

World Health Organization states:

"WHO advises that routine non-essential oral health care - which usually includes oral health check-ups, dental cleanings, and preventive care - be delayed until there has been sufficient reduction in COVID-19 transmission rates."

But the Oklahoma Dental Association said they disagree along with their national partner.

In a statement the President of the Oklahoma Dental Association said:

"The WHO's recommendation comes with no conclusive evidence or supporting scientific data."

COVID-19 has no real effect on your teeth, but Dr. Garcia said you might notice an increase in halitosis or bad breath while wearing a mask.

He said to continue with regular dental hygiene, but if you do get COVID-19 or sick, you should change your toothbrush.

"Those bristles trap a lot of bacteria you want to make sure you keep those as clean as you can," said Garcia.