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The COVID-19 pandemic was a challenging time for everyone, from children to seniors. Unfortunately, that stress translated to dental problems. According to the Health Policy Institute, dentists from around the country reported about a 63% increase in chipped and cracked teeth among patients during the pandemic compared to before it. This sharp rise was likely caused by the stress of COVID, resulting in more people clenching their jaws and grinding their teeth.
Another area of concern following the pandemic is cavities — i.e., tooth decay — since there was a nearly 40% increase in cavities related to the COVID-19 pandemic. If left untreated, cavities can lead to more serious dental problems. In this article, we’ll explain what a COVID cavity is and how you can help prevent cavities to improve dental health.
What Exactly Is a COVID Cavity?
A COVID cavity is a cavity linked to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Since many kids, adults, and seniors were staying inside their homes for work, school, or quarantine, frequent snacking — especially on sweets — is one of the likely culprits for COVID cavities. According to a survey conducted by the American Association of Endodontists (AAE), 31% of respondents said they were snacking on more sweets than before the pandemic.
Deteriorating dental hygiene can also be to blame for COVID cavities. In the same survey, the AAE reported these findings:
- 28% of respondents didn’t schedule or forgot to schedule a dental appointment
- 1 in 4 respondents said they waited until later in the morning to brush their teeth, while 21% didn’t brush in the morning at all
- 24% of respondents said they were flossing less often, while 23% said they weren’t flossing at all
Frequent snacking and poor dental hygiene can be a recipe for tooth decay. Without proper treatment, a cavity could eventually result in a dental crown, root canal, or tooth extraction.
Putting a Stop to Cavities to Improve Dental Health
After consuming sugary foods or drinks, plaque can start to form on your teeth. The acid in plaque can slowly erode tooth enamel, the protective outer layer of your teeth. Soon, a cavity begins forming in your tooth’s outer layers. If left untreated, the decay can continue to grow, and bacteria can reach deeper inside the tooth. Ultimately, you could need restorative treatment.
However, you can help prevent cavities by practicing proper dental hygiene. Brushing your teeth twice daily and flossing once daily can help remove plaque and mitigate the risk of cavities. Also, limit your intake of sugary and acidic foods and beverages. Instead, eat fiber-rich foods and drink more water to help neutralize acids and fight tooth decay.
Don’t forget to visit your dentist at least twice a year for preventative treatment. Your dentist can let you know how well you maintain your oral health and detect problems before they become more significant.
Getting a Head Start with a Dental Savings Plan
While there was an uptick in cavities due to the pandemic, cavities can form due to poor oral hygiene and consuming too many sugary and acidic foods anytime. That’s why preventative care is so important. Taking the right measures with at-home oral care, limiting highly processed sugars, and scheduling routine dental visits can make a big difference in fighting tooth decay.
If you want to save money on your dental care, consider a dental savings plan — an affordable alternative to traditional dental insurance. Plan members get access to a nationwide network of dentists that offer 10-60% savings on preventive and restorative treatments. Additionally, dental savings plans provide quick activation, no annual limits, and no restrictions based on current health conditions.
To learn more about dental savings plans and how they can help you save money on preventative care and restorative treatments like fillings, call us today at 1-833-735-0399.
