There’s no denying that the COVID-19 pandemic has forever altered our way of life. From mask wearing to social distancing and vaccines, COVID-19 has changed many lives since arriving in the United States and across the globe. Not only has the virus affected the health of those infected by it, it is having reverberating negative effects on everyone, especially seniors, according to a new study.
The study, conducted by the CareQuest Institute for Oral Health examined data from older medicare patients and found that due to the pandemic, many seniors did not get the oral health care they needed. This was due to several factors, including dental office closures, lack of medical coverage, restricted hours, and lack of transportation to and from appointments. In fact, 44 percent of people who delayed medical care during the pandemic delayed dental care, higher than any other type of medical care.
This of course had dangerous repercussions, as delaying necessary care like dental exams can leave things like gum disease, cavities, tooth infections, and more untreated. This can make those issues become progressively worse, turning a small problem into a much bigger one.
Thankfully, with many restrictions eased, it is now possible for patients to be seen during normal business hours, and get the oral health care they need. If you are one of the 44 percent of people who delayed seeing their dentist, during the height of the pandemic, it could be time to come back and see Dr. Abelar- even if you don’t detect any problems with your oral health.
That being said, if you are experiencing any oral health pain or changes to your oral health, it is especially important that you schedule your dental exam as soon as possible.
In the meantime, whether you can make it in to see Dr. Abelar or not, its especially important that you maintain the care of your teeth and gums by brushing at least twice per day, flossing at least once per day, and optionally, using a mouthwash or tongue scraper. If you are ready to come in for your exam, contact Dentist in San Diego CA Dr. Abelar’s office and schedule your appointment today.
