When the Movement Control Order (MCO) was enforced in March, dentists were only allowed to treat emergency cases and non-urgent cases were postponed to a later date.
Dentists have been open again for months now and many are noticing a trend – people are coming in with cracked and infected teeth, damaged fillings and an increase in cavities.
“People staying at home meant routine dentistry was postponed and pain was managed with medication and home remedies.
“As soon as the lockdown eased and people were able to move about more freely, there was a surge in patients needing treatment,” says Dr Jason Cheong of Jason Cheong Dental Surgery in Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur.
Dr Cheong told FMT that prior to the lockdown, he was treating a 50:50 mix of patients who were there for routine work and those who needed more complex treatment.
“Now, I feel that maybe 80% of patients I see have at least one problem that needs immediate attention. My colleagues have noticed the same thing and they agree that there seems to be a wave of post-lockdown dental problems, but this does not necessarily mean more patients overall.”
Due to the restrictions of the MCO, he said patients who originally had small dental problems are now coming in with more serious ones, adding that these issues would perhaps have been easily treated months ago, but now require more complex treatment.
People have been putting up with cavities to the point that infection sets in.
“One of the biggest lifestyle changes would be what I call ‘lockdown diets’.
Parents are telling me that their children are snacking more, and very often these snacks and drinks are high in carbohydrates.
“With many people discovering their talent for baking and creating desserts, adults and children alike have found comfort in these decay-causing sugary treats.”
Those who prefer to snack on hard crackers and nuts take note, these can cause cracks in teeth and fillings.
“Sticky and gummy snacks such as raisins, fruit leather, vitamin gummies, sweet breads and biscuits stick to the teeth and hang around for hours after the person is done eating them, slowly releasing sugar into the mouth,” Dr Cheong said.
Trying to boost the immune system with more fruit and juices?
Dr Cheong warns that many of these, while being good for the health, are highly acidic and can cause tooth erosion.
Drinks that are not tooth-friendly include fruit juice, lemon water, apple cider vinegar, kefir, kombucha, Vitamin C drinks, wine and all forms of gassy drinks.
Instead of resorting to candy and drinks that cause tooth erosion, Dr Cheong recommends drinking water.
He said hours spent wearing a mask or attending online meetings means people are drinking less water than usual, leading to dry mouth, bad breath and gum problems and decay.
“Keep drinks acid-, sugar- and caffeine-free. Water is the best option but if [someone wants something else], drink through a straw and rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash afterwards.”
It is no secret that pandemic-related anxiety is affecting mental health. That stress can lead to teeth grinding, often when one is asleep.
“We call this bruxing and it can lead to mouth ulcers, sensitive teeth, weak fillings, jaw pain, tension headaches and even neck and ear pain. The dentist can make a night guard for the teeth for those who brux in their sleep,” said Dr Cheong.
He also encourages wary Malaysians not to skip or postpone regular cleaning and checkups over the fear of contracting Covid-19 at the dentist.
“Ever since the AIDS crisis of the early 1980s, dentists have been trained to be extremely careful in preventing the spread of infectious germs and viruses.
“Now, with the extra SOPs, the dental clinic may be one of the cleanest and safest places to be in. Check with the dentist if they are able to schedule an appointment so you won’t have to postpone the dental care you need.”
After all, the dental visit that is put off today may become a bigger problem tomorrow.