The pandemic is also visible in our teeth. Almost half of Poles avoided the dentist

Before the pandemic, it seemed that the oral health of Poles was starting to improve. However, recent months have reversed this trend. The survey shows that in 2020 almost half of the inhabitants of Poland between 18 and 60 years of age she did not decide to visit the dentist despite the inflammation or aching tooth.

1. The studies conducted in 2016-2019 showed that the incidence of caries in adult Poles is decreasing
2. Due to the pandemic, the inhabitants of Poland did not go to the dentist, even if they had already started dental treatment
3. When they finally came to the office, the condition of their teeth was already serious. They often required root canal treatment or surgical intervention
4. You can find more such stories on the TvoiLokony home page

The condition of Poles’ teeth before the pandemic began to improve

Before the pandemic, it was hoped that it would get better. From the extensive report “Caries disease and the condition of periodontal tissues in the Polish population. Summary of research results from 2016-2019 ”edited by prof. Dorota Olczak-Kowalczyk showed that it was better compared to the previous edition of the research from 2010. For example, in the studied age group of 35–44 years, a reduction in the incidence of caries was found at that time (almost half of the respondents had no active caries foci, which was a better result than the one obtained in 2010, but only 0,9% was caries-free; for comparison: in Sweden – 8 percent).

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In turn, the average number of preserved natural teeth in an elderly person (65-74 years) was 6,5 in 2009 and doubled ten years later (13,5%). The average number of preserved teeth for women was 13, while for men only 11 teeth were preserved. Periodontal disease was widespread, especially in the elderly population. It was a significant improvement.

Pandemic and oral health. 68 percent extracted teeth

Dentists fear that these favorable trends may have been reversed during the pandemic.

– As practitioners, we observe many effects of postponing or postponing scheduled visits, which is argued by patients’ fear of contracting coronavirus in the office. Today we see, first of all, dangerous endodontic complications, we remove teeth that could be saved, in many cases orthodontic treatment has to be started anew, caries is reaping the toll, especially in young people – said Prof. Marzena Dominiak, president of the Polish Dental Society.

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Her observations are confirmed by the research commissioned by Medicover Stomatologia at the end of last year. They show that 68 percent. patients in 2020 required treatment of at least one tooth. Meanwhile, as much as 41 percent. patients gave it up, and 30 percent. people who came to the dentist during the pandemic came to the office with very severe toothache. 82 percent required filling the cavities due to caries.

Moreover, despite a smaller number of people reporting to the dentist, dentists had to perform more specialized procedures: as much as 69 percent. patients who finally came for treatment needed root canal treatment, and in 68% cases, it was necessary to extract a tooth. Another effect of postponing visits is the fact that every fourth person required gum treatment. It is also disturbing that 49 percent. cases, the intervention of a dental surgeon was necessary.

It should not be forgotten that the poor health of the oral cavity in Poland results not only from restrictions on access to a dentist (in pre-pandemic times, money was a barrier for many residents – the National Health Fund reimburses few dental procedures for adults), but also from insufficient oral hygiene and improper diets. Many studies show that the inhabitants of Poland incorrectly use toothbrushes and rarely use dental floss.

Added to this is dentophobia: as much as 43 percent. Poles, regardless of COVID-19, declared in 2020 that fear and fear of the dentist prevent them from taking treatment.

– Unfortunately, many people in Poland still have concerns about treating their teeth. And although dentists are doing their best to counteract this, some patients still have a problem to overcome the fear of visiting the dentist’s office. Fear of the coronavirus joined the long list of reasons why we often decided to postpone or cancel our visit in 2020. The more so as patients saw that in the first weeks of the pandemic, even 70 percent. offices suddenly closed, which could have been a disturbing signal for them – comments the drug. dent. Błażej Derda from the Dental Sense dental center in Warsaw.

It is worth noting, however, that many dental offices were also open during the lockdown, admitting patients under increased sanitary conditions and treating teeth in safe conditions. Polish dental societies very quickly published guidelines for dentists on how to protect themselves and patients from coronavirus infection during a pandemic.

– By delaying the visit, especially if the first pain symptoms appear, we risk not only longer treatment, but also much higher costs. The risk of severe complications also increases. Especially that the health of the teeth and gums also affects the overall health of the body – warns Błażej Derda.

Dentists remind that patients can feel safe, especially since most doctors have been vaccinated against COVID-19. Neglected teeth can cause, among others, weakening of the body’s immunity, which occurs with chronic inflammation. The poor condition of the oral cavity may also affect the development and course of diseases, including respiratory system, nasopharyngeal and lung diseases, as well as cardiovascular diseases. In addition, if left untreated, periodontal disease can affect the health of the kidneys.

Comp. as above, mw

Also read:

1. How to teach a child to care for his teeth?
2. Do you brush your teeth often in a hurry? You can hurt yourself
3. Everything you need to know about your teeth
4. What is the risk of untreated caries?

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