KAUKAUNA (NBC 26) — It’s been about a year into the pandemic and a poll done by the American Dental Association is tracking the recovery of dental practices week by week and even breaks it down by state.
You canclick here to see that data and click on Wisconsin.
Here in Northeast Wisconsin, one area dental clinic says they’re staying busy.
Berkers Family Dentistry in Kaukauna says they even have some appointment booked up to June.
“For routine care, routine cleanings I would say we’re at least two months, about two months out. A lot of that is people have started to get their vaccines, they’re starting to get comfortable and are starting to come back," said Dr. Chris Berkers, dentist at Berkers Family Dentistry.
As vaccinations continue in the area, Berkers says he has started seeing more people come through their doors.
“Now that people that are starting to get the vaccines we are starting to get phone calls from patients that have stayed away for a while," Berkers said.
Which is why he urges it's important you come in for a routine check up to maintain your oral care.
"A lot of people are further out than they realize. The average person needs their cleaning twice a year, every six months and when you’re looking at a year or longer, there’s a lot more build up, a lot more care that needs to be taken care of so it usually takes a little longer to be taken care of,” Berkers said.
One survey done by the American Dental Association Health Policy Institute is seeing an increase in amount of patients who have been grinding and clenching their teeth. You can click here to see that survey.
Experts say often times grinding and clenching of teeth can be due to stress and anxiety.
Berkers says he has actually seen a correlation between mask wearing and teeth clenching in his patients.
“With the masks people have a tendency because their nose gets a little bit blocked, they breathe through their mouth a bit little more. And when you have a dry mouth you have a tendency to cause a little more concerns with the oral cavity," Berkers said.
For those unsure about returning to the dentist, Dr. Berkers says he wants to reassure patients they’re taking all the proper precautionary measures.
“Dentistry has always been on the forefront of sterilization and disinfection. I’ve told people from the beginning that we’ve always treated everyone like they’re infected. Now we’re just using globes, two masks and a little bit more,“ Berkers said.
