How COVID-19 Reshaped Canadian Dental Care
Before the pandemic, many of us followed the same routine: a cleaning every six months, quick hygiene tips, and we were out the door. COVID-19 changed that. Clinics slowed down, safety rules tightened, and dentists started building care around each person’s risks, habits, and goals.
How did COVID-19 change dental care in Canada?
It moved dentistry from a one-size-fits-all routine to personalized, risk-based plans. Teams reviewed medical conditions, stress-related habits, and home routines, used tele-dentistry for check-ins, and set tailored hygiene steps. Results: better prevention, fewer emergencies, and stronger long-term oral health.
Why one-size-fits-all stopped working
Lockdowns, reduced schedules, and strict safety measures forced clinics to focus on what mattered most for each person. If you had diabetes, dry mouth, or gum issues, your plan looked different from your neighbour’s. This shift stuck because it worked.
Risk-based assessment made care smarter
During COVID-19, dentists took a closer look at health histories and day-to-day realities. People with diabetes, autoimmune disease, or heart conditions needed tighter gum care and closer follow-up. Those struggling with stress-related bruxism (teeth grinding) needed a night guard and relaxation tips. Patients who missed cleanings got step-by-step at-home hygiene coaching until it was safe to come in.
Curious how these plans look in real life? Explore practical examples in customized dental health plans that improve outcomes.
Tele-dentistry kept care moving
With in-person time limited, dentists used secure video calls and photos to triage problems, review brushing, and adjust products. These short check-ins helped people stay on track and spot small issues before they turned into big ones. See how these virtual visits improve access and follow-through in tele-dentistry’s impact on patient care.
What a personalized dental plan includes
Every plan is different, but most include:
1) A personal risk check
Your dentist reviews your medical history, medications, and current oral health. They ask about diet (sugar and acids), dry mouth, stress, and sleep. If needed, they may suggest saliva-friendly products, a stronger fluoride toothpaste, or a night guard.
2) A home routine that fits your life
Short, clear steps beat long lists. You might switch to an electric brush with a pressure sensor, use a desensitizing toothpaste, add a fluoride rinse at night, or try a water flosser if string floss is tough.
3) Risk-based visit timing
Six months works for many people, but not everyone. If you’re high risk for gum disease or cavities, you may need a cleaning every three to four months for a while. Visit timing can change as your health improves. Many readers find it helpful to learn how often to visit the dentist based on your risks.
4) Simple progress tracking
Photos, notes in your phone, or quick virtual check-ins make it easier to stick with your plan. Seeing improvements—less bleeding, fewer sensitive spots—keeps you motivated.
“Dentistry is essential health care because of its role in evaluating, diagnosing, preventing or treating oral diseases, which can affect systemic health.” — Dr. Daniel J. Klemmedson, American Dental Association
Real-life changes patients noticed
Focused attention: With fewer patients in a day, teams spent more time explaining what to do and why it matters. That clarity boosted follow-through at home.
Proactive prevention: Targeted steps—like prescription fluoride for dry mouth or sealants for deep grooves—stopped problems before they became emergencies.
Better tracking: Digital follow-ups helped catch early warning signs, such as bleeding while brushing or a cracked filling, before pain hit.
Stress, grinding, and jaw pain during the pandemic
Stress rose, and so did bruxism (teeth grinding). It can cause headaches, jaw soreness, and worn or cracked teeth. Your plan might include a custom night guard, jaw stretches, a gentle brush to avoid gum recession, and a review of coffee and alcohol (both can worsen clenching). If tooth wear is visible, your dentist may suggest small bite adjustments or repairs before damage spreads.
Tele-dentistry and digital follow-ups
Tele-dentistry isn’t only a pandemic tool—it’s now part of how many Canadians manage their oral health. Quick virtual visits work well for:
– Post-op check-ins after extractions or root canals
– Hygiene coaching (brushing angles, flossing tricks)
– Minor concerns, like a chipped edge or sore spot on a denture
These visits save time and keep treatment moving without waiting for the next chair-side appointment.
Will a personalized plan cost more?
Not always. Tailored prevention often costs less than fixing big problems later. For example, strengthening weak enamel with high-fluoride toothpaste and adding one extra cleaning can be far cheaper than a crown or gum surgery down the road. Many clinics also phase care to fit budgets and insurance timing. If your plan reduces emergencies and extends the life of your fillings and crowns, it can save money over the long term.
How long do personalized plans last?
Your plan is not a one-time handout. It evolves as your life changes. A new medication may dry your mouth. A sports season might increase your risk of chips (hello, mouthguard). Pregnancy could raise gum sensitivity. The plan adapts—so your health stays ahead of problems.
How to ask your dentist for a personalized plan
It’s simple. At your next visit, say: “Can we make a plan around my risks and routines?” Share any concerns—diabetes, dry mouth, sensitivity, stress, vaping or smoking, or changes to your diet or sleep. Ask for a short printed or emailed plan with three things:
1) Your top risks and why they matter
2) Exact home steps and products (brand or strength helps)
3) The right visit timing for the next 12 months
What Canadian clinics kept after COVID-19
– Better air filtration and strict infection control
– Curbside or online check-in and digital forms
– More education time during appointments
– Tele-dentistry options for quick questions and follow-ups
These changes make care safer, clearer, and more personal—pandemic or not.
Conclusion
COVID-19 was a turning point for dentistry in Canada. It pushed teams to move beyond the standard six-month routine and build plans that match each person’s health, habits, and goals. With risk-based visits, tele-dentistry support, and simple, tailored steps at home, people saw fewer emergencies, better gum health, and stronger long-term results. Personalized dentistry isn’t a trend—it’s the new normal, and it’s here to stay.
FAQ
How do I know if I need a more frequent cleaning schedule?
If you have bleeding gums, a history of gum disease, dry mouth, diabetes, or new sensitivity, you may benefit from cleanings every three to four months for a period. Your dentist can adjust timing as your gums heal.
What if I missed visits during the pandemic?
Don’t worry. Book a checkup and a cleaning. Your dentist can assess changes, take X-rays if needed, and restart care with a simple step-by-step plan so you can catch up safely.
Can tele-dentistry replace in-person visits?
No. It’s great for advice, triage, and follow-ups, but it doesn’t replace cleanings, X-rays, or procedures. Tele-dentistry works best as a support between visits—especially if travel or time is a challenge.
How do I handle stress-related grinding?
Tell your dentist about headaches or morning jaw soreness. A custom night guard can protect your teeth. Your plan might also include jaw stretches, gentle brushing to protect gums, and tips to cut back on late caffeine and alcohol.
Will a personalized plan be hard to follow?
Good plans are simple. Most include two or three small changes you can keep up daily. Think: switch toothpaste, add a nightly fluoride rinse, or set a two-minute brush timer. Clear steps lead to real results.
Is the six-month rule still right?
It works for many people, but not everyone. Visit timing should match your risks, health, and past dental work. Learn how your schedule might change here: how often to visit. Your dentist will fine-tune it over time.
