CARY, N.C. — Dentists are seeing an alarming trend in their patients’ dental health, and the pandemic may be to blame.
More people are feeling safer to come in for their appointments than they were at the start of the pandemic, but one dentist we spoke with says the last two years have taken a toll on our teeth.
What You Need To Know
- Dentists are seeing an uptick in broken teeth
- Experts believe pandemic-related stress is to blame
- Experts reccommend asking your dentist about self-care options that can help ease tension
“I’ve had quite a few patients come in with chipped or broken teeth, and I would say it is at a higher percentage than norm," said Dr. Meenal Patel, founder of Preston Dental Loft in Cary.
Pre-pandemic, Patel saw one to two broken teeth a week. Now, she sees one or two a day.
“Patients are clenching more. They are grinding more," she explained.
So, what do we do about it?
With stress as the culprit, Patel recommends exercise, yoga, self-care or anything to help alleviate worries and ease tension.
"Many people do get massages, but they don’t really take time or know that the massage therapist can help massage the facial muscles, which helps relieve a lot of that tension and clenching," Patel said.