A wide range of dental issues are being associated in greater frequency to COVID-19. Reports of brittle and chipped teeth, teeth loosening from the gums and falling out, increased grinding, and continued and sustained tightening of the jaw.
Beverly Hills, United States - January 21, 2021 /PressCable/ —
Myriad dental issues related to COVID-19 are being reported with increasing frequency. In fact, the American Dental Association poll reveals that since the pandemic began, there has been a 59% increase in teeth grinding and clenching, 53% increase in chipped and cracked teeth, and 53% increase in pain and compromised movement of the jaw and surrounding muscles. Many dentists are even reporting that some patients with COVID are experiencing discoloration of their teeth.
Beverly Hills periodontist Mahnaz Rashti, DDS, renowned for her cosmetic, full mouth reconstruction, and general dentistry expertise says that her practice is experiencing a dramatic rise in COVID-related dental problems.
“We don’t know if there’s a direct link between COVID-19 and dental issues or if they are related to stress brought on by the pandemic,” says Rashti. “We do know that dental health and general health are intertwined so it makes sense that the virus could be causing problems like teeth becoming brittle thus leading to fractures and even teeth becoming so loosened from the roots that they fall out. Also, the gums could be impacted, which could lead to a whole host of complications.”
One of Rashti’s patients, Long Beach, Calif. resident Christopher Hoodye, 29, was diagnosed with COVID-19 on November 6 and since then has experienced severe grinding issues and his teeth have noticeably been discolored.
“I’ve never really had dental problems until I caught COVID,” says Hoodye, a special needs teacher. “I now have persistent pain in my jaw and my roommate tells me that she can hear me grinding my teeth. I also noticed that my teeth have become discolored.”
Rashti says that teeth grinding and jaw clenching are part of our body’s fight-or-flight response.
“When we are faced with a stressful situation, our bodies release certain hormones like adrenalin and cortisol that give the body a burst of energy and strength,” she explains. “Since we can’t fight mental and emotional stress, our body burns off that excess energy in other ways like teeth grinding and jaw muscle clenching.”
Rashti says that there are steps we can take to reduce tension and minimize dental problems as we make our way through the pandemic.
“Many of us slouch in front of our computers, causing our jaws to clench and our teeth to touch, which is not healthy. I encourage my patients to make an effort to periodically check their posture, open and close their mouths widely several times, and move their jaws from side to side to reduce stress. I also believe in the use of custom-made occlusal guards and botox in order to relax the muscle and prevent serious damage to your joint and teeth,” she recommends. “I also advise them to avoid foods and beverages that can destroy their tooth enamel like sodas, fruit juices, sweets especially sour candies, yogurt, baked goods including bread, alcoholic beverages, ice, and processed foods. And of course, it’s important to brush and floss our teeth at least twice each day and make regular visits to the dentist.”
Mahnaz Rashti, D.D.S. has maintained a practice in the center of Beverly Hills since 1994. She is a graduate of the College of Dentistry of New York University and completed her 5-year residency at the VA Hospital in Los Angeles, where she treated medically compromised patients suffering from cancer, smoking-related illnesses, and other life-threatening conditions. This led her to become a full-mouth reconstruction specialist where she conducted the most intense and life-changing work of her career involving patients who lost parts of their faces in combat. She also established her own nonprofit dedicated to helping veterans in need, children being bullied, survivors of domestic abuse, and others who don’t have the finances for dental work. Her practice is a family affair with her husband, Fred, who manages the business operations for the practice, and their son Benjamin and daughter Rebecca who help with social media and other day-to-day duties. It is located at 9735 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 307, Beverly Hills. Contact 310-623-3330 or visit DrRashti.com for more information.
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Contact Info:
Name: Frank Groff
Email: Send Email
Organization: Beverly Hills Smiles Dental Group
Address: 9735 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 307, Beverly Hills, CA 90212, United States
Phone: +1-310-623-3330
Website: https://www.drrashti.com/
Source: PressCable
Release ID: 88994502
