A GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE IN SELF-REPORTED BRUSHING, BRUXISM AND TMD SYMPTOMS DURING COVID-19 LOCKDOWN

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic led lockdowns has created enormous stress disrupting the daily habits and routines of the worldwide population. One might consider hand hygiene more important than brushing one’s teeth in these unprecedented times but it is prudent to keep in mind that oral health is a window to one’s general health. OBJECTIVES: To assess the general public’s perception of their oral hygiene habits and survey their self-reported brushing habits. METHODS: This is a descriptive, cross-sectional, self-administered structured questionnaire-based study. A questionnaire of 24 questions was shared online to which 1021 responses were received from different parts of the world. April, 1st 2020- April 14^th 2020 during the period of lockdown. RESULTS: Regarding self-reported brushing our results indicate that a large portion of the population did not observe any major changes in their brushing habits during the quarantine period compared to their everyday routine before the lockdown for COVID19. Probing into TMD symptoms we found that a greater frequency of females compared to males reported an increased sensation of pain and discomfort in facial muscles. CONCLUSION: COVID-19 is here to stay. It is imperative to assess the general public’s perception of their oral hygiene practices and habits during the lockdown period of COVID-19 pandemic. An estimate of the population vulnerable of seeking dental treatment by the end of this pandemic depends on how long it lasts.