Poor diet and lifestyle choices made in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with the temporary banning of most dental procedures have prompted experts to forecast a rise in visits to the dentist.
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Dr Ruthy Hernandez, from Riverside No Gap Dental, and the Australian Dental Association (ADA) made the prediction after dentists were restricted to performing emergency procedures for about six weeks.
Coronavirus: All the latest updates on COVID-19 for Tasmania
While the bulk of the restrictions have now been lifted and people can undergo more routine treatments, Dr Hernandez said she observed an increase in unhealthy behaviours when harsh restrictions were in place.
"I had patients who would eat blocks of chocolate, for comfort eating and that's how they're trying to cope with the new normality," Dr Hernandez said.
"We all eat chocolate, we just have to make sure we reduce the amount of chocolate that we're eating and sugary food, fizzy drink and alcohol.
"If you're going to have any sugary snacks or chocolate do it after a big meal as opposed to snacking throughout the whole day."
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Dr Hernandez urged people to realise their oral health was linked to their overall health.
"People can't just focus on the tooth, they have to understand that whatever is going on in the mouth affects their overall health," she said.
"Even the mouth is the gateway to your overall gut health."
In addition to brushing teeth twice a day and flossing regularly, Dr Hernandez said there were other simple steps people could take to improve their oral health.
"People should not accept that tooth decay is inevitable and there are a number of easy ways to prevent it all together.
"Chew sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva after meals, opt for healthier snack alternatives and drink fluoridated tapwater."
According to Dr Hernandez, an emphasis on oral health education and prevention was critical for dentists and patients dealing with oral health issues during the pandemic and beyond.
"As local dentists in Launceston, where dental hospitals are non-existent, we have a duty of care and obligation to help and try to mitigate the loads of patients heading to hospital emergency departments and GPs for their dental care," she said.
To stop the spread of COVID-19, Dr Hernandez said she purchased face shields from Bunnings and was checking all patients temperatures..
ADA President Dr Carmelo Bonnano said the organisation was pleased people could now resume routine dental treatment.