The COVID-19 viral outbreak has caused a great deal of anxiety for many people. For many patients, this can include anxiety about their dental health. Unfortunately, stress can contribute to poor dental health. It is important to give your teeth the best care possible in this uncertain time.
Muscle tension is one of the most common symptoms of stress in everyday life. This tension can manifest anywhere, but for many people is concentrated in the head and face. Have you ever noticed yourself clenching your jaw? This is a common reaction to stress. Over time, clenching your teeth can cause your muscles to “bind up,” causing headaches. Clenching can also manifest in your sleep as teeth grinding. Grinding your teeth can wear them down and also lead to bite alignment issues. Those alignment issues can eventually develop into sleep apnea. Whenever possible, it is important to avoid or mitigate stress to prevent oral health problems.
Are you socially isolating or self-quarantined? What better time to give your teeth the extra attention they deserve. Take this opportunity to brush your teeth carefully after every meal with fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush, floss, and use a fluoride rinse. You may find you enjoy it! Dental hygiene, like any other form of self-care, can be a relaxing experience.
Our office is closed from March 17 to April 5, but Dr. Alan Dechter and Dr. Matthew Moy should be able to take at least one worry off your chest: if you experience a dental emergency, we are still here to help. While our regular office hours have been suspended, you don’t need to fear a lack of care in case of an emergency. If you experience undo tooth or jaw pain, increased sensitivity, or dental trauma, let us know and we will get back to you ASAP.
A pandemic isn’t forever! If you are due for a regular dental checkup, don’t forget to reschedule once we reopen our office. To reschedule your cleaning, or for any dental questions or concerns you may have during the coming weeks, contact us on our website or at (301) 949-5400.
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