Julie Deverick emphasises the importance of patients maintaining their oral health over the festive period.
When it comes to the month of December, you naturally think about the approaching festivities. It’s the time of year when people start frantically shopping for gifts, arranging events and meeting up with family and friends. But this year it is likely to be different.
As a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, everyone is now used to following government guidelines and adhering to restrictions. Social distancing, wearing face coverings and gathering in small groups have become part of the “new normal”. But after such a challenging year there is the risk that some people may develop a devil-may-care attitude and throw all caution to the wind during the festive season. This includes their approach to oral hygiene.
Most of us indulge in more food and drink at this time of year and for many people, oral hygiene often takes a back seat. Yet after enduring the long days of lockdown and strange experiences such as working alone or being separated from loved ones; people are even more likely to forget all about their health. As a result, dental professionals need to really drive home the message this year to prevent patients from neglecting their oral health.
Feeling deprived is not conducive for good habits. It can make us feel entitled to put ourselves back in balance with a treat. This is evident from the data gathered recently by the Global Drugs Survey 2020, where over half of British respondents reported that they had increased the number of days that they drank alcohol during the global pandemic. Out of 20 countries, the UK also had the most respondents that reported drinking earlier in the day and over a third increased the amount they drank. It appears similar when it comes to smoking too. Although ASH (Action on Smoking and Health) reported that a million people have stopped smoking since the pandemic hit, around 2.2m smokers in the UK are having more than their usual number of cigarettes.
Also, you only have to take a quick conversation with your friends before the subject of weight gain comes up. It’s undeniable that during the lockdown period increased snacking, a less healthy diet and lower levels of physical activity were a problem. According to the Covid Symptom Study app, a body weight increase of between 0.78kg (1.6lbs) and 3kg (6.5lbs) during the lockdown period was reported across the country. As professionals will know, increased weight can have a knock-on effect for oral health, with overweight individuals being more likely to develop periodontal disease and conditions such as diabetes, which can have further substantial impacts on the oral cavity.
So, what can professionals do to help ensure a happy festive period? The most vital step to take is giving patients the information and advice they need. Talk them through the risks of weight gain and a higher intake of alcohol. Suggest products that will keep them interested in and prioritising their oral health – you can also remind them that with Christmas comes photos, so they’re going to want their smile looking healthy!
This year the festivities are likely to be very different, but that doesn’t mean that people should push their oral health to the wayside. By keeping patients interested, involved and informed, you can help ensure that whatever happens, their oral health won’t suffer over the holidays.
References available upon request.