The impact of COVID-19 on individual oral health: a scoping review

Abstract

Background Poor oral health due to dental caries is one of the most prevalent non-communicable diseases worldwide. It has a significant impact on individuals across the lifespan and is a leading cause of preventable hospitalizations. The impacts of COVID-19 on oral health at the practice level are well documented, but gaps in understanding the impact on individual oral health remain. This review addresses this gap. Methods Using a JBI scoping review process we mapped and summarized the evidence to identify the impact of COVID-19 on individual oral health. Key search terms were developed, and searches were undertaken by an experienced research librarian. Results The 85 included studies were conducted in 23 countries from 5 regions across the world classified using the United Nations Geoscheme system. The majority (82/85) were quantitative, 2 were reviews and there was one qualitative interview study. Cross-sectional surveys were the most common data collection approach followed by an analysis of clinical data, analysis of internet trends and other online methods. Five key areas were identified including changes to the provision of emergency dental services, provision of routine oral health services, oral hygiene maintenance at home, changes in dietary preferences, alternative models of dental provision and help-seeking and attitudes towards dental care in the future. Conclusions This scoping review has demonstrated that the pandemic has impacted on oral health at the individual level. It is important that we are aware of these impacts and ensure that support systems are in place to overcome future periods where access to dental care might be compromised. The provision of preventive care remains a vital first step in ensuring good overall oral health as is paramount during periods where access to dental treatment might be limited.

Changes in Etiology and Clinical Outcomes of Pleural empyema during the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…The effect of healthcare-seeking behavior in delaying presentation to hospitals for patients with chronic diseases was reported in previous studies [ 13 ]. Access to dental services was limited due to lockdown, and a decrease in attendance for preventive dental care was reported [ 22 , 23 ]. Infections with anaerobes are more likely to have insidious clinical onset and are more common following possible aspiration pneumonia and poor dental hygiene, together with more common polymicrobial infection in patients with chronic disease [ 24 ].…”

Inequalities in access to NHS primary care dental services in Scotland during the COVID-19 pandemic

“…Although there is still not su cient of empirical data to assess the fully impacts of the pandemic on the oral health at the population level. 23 Our study begins to contribute to this data and evidence gap providing detailed analysis of access to NHS primary care dental services in Scotland -which, prior to the pandemic, provided over 90% of dental services in Scotland. 12 The assessment of inequalities using the area-based deprivation index has been reliably established in the literature.…”

Establishment of a sustainable connection between citizens and medical professionals in rural communities: A thematic analysis

“…Social isolation can cause various problems regarding healthcare usage depending on the region [23]. To resolve the issue of social isolation after the COVID-19 pandemic, an investigation of social conditions in rural contexts is required [24,25]. By addressing these issues, rural healthcare can establish concrete ways to approach community social isolation.…”