15 Combined with poor access to dental care, financial difficulties, and an increase in xerostomia due to stress and mask use, 16 we have seen the effect on these poor nutritional choices in the increased numbers of patients presenting with caries and periodontal disease. 14 Many parents have reported difficulties in controlling their children's snack intake during the pandemic. 13 An increased frequency of snacking on foods with high fat, salt and sugar content was also seen over the course of the pandemic, due to stress, boredom, and lack of access to fresh food due to shop closures. Smoking amongst 18- to 34-year-olds increased by 25% during the first lockdown, and a general increase in consumption of alcohol has been reported, 12 both of which are known risk factors for development of oral lesions and cancers.
Many patients also blame the stress of the pandemic on poor lifestyle habits.
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