Lifestyle
4 Trends Showing People are Heading Back to the Dentist
Last Updated on November 17, 2024 by Daily News Staff
(Family Features) In the wake of the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, people are becoming more comfortable getting back in the dental exam chair. More patients are addressing oral aches and pains caused by pandemic-induced stress and prioritizing their pearly whites as masks are shed and visible smiles emerge.
As people head back to the dentist, some for the first time in years, Zocdoc, a free platform where people can find and book in-person or virtual health care appointments across more than 200 specialties and over 12,000 insurance plans, completed a comprehensive analysis of dental-related appointment booking trends over the last year to examine how people are engaging with dentists and other oral specialists.
The analysis, “Zocdoc Reports: Dental Download,” found appointments are on the rise across the board, suggesting people are addressing oral aches and pains, many caused by pandemic-induced stress, and identified these trends:
Routine Dental Visits are Back
At the onset of the pandemic, nearly half of adults in the United States put off dental care, and professional dental services fell by more than 75%, according to research published in “JDR Clinical & Translational Research.” However, data shows people are catching up on those missed appointments with some using the lapse in appointments or geographic moves to find new providers. Between August 2021-August 2022, dentist appointments increased by 10% while new patient dental exam appointments increased by 18%.
Dental Damage Control is Underway
Putting off routine care during the pandemic resulted in serious dental issues for some patients. Root canals are necessary when cavities go untreated for too long, among other reasons, and these appointments are on the rise, along with other dental surgery appointments. Root canal appointments increased by 20% and wisdom tooth appointments increased by 17% year-over-year.
Stress is Impacting Minds and Mouths
Studies indicate stress levels have intensified over the last two years, and this stress has taken a toll not just on mental health but also people’s mouths. Stress is a leading cause and risk factor for bruxism (teeth grinding or clenching), according to the Mayo Clinic, and cracked tooth repair appointments increased by 43% between August 2021-August 2022. During the same timeframe, TMJ pain appointments increased by 33%, dental pain appointments increased by 32% and gum disease, gingivitis and bleeding gums appointments increased by 22%.
People are Prioritizing Their Pearly Whites
With everyone’s pearly whites again front and center, there’s a renewed interest in making sure they’re looking their best. Cosmetic dental appointments surged during the research period with orthodontic appointments up 32%, dental implant appointments up 17% and broken tooth appointments up 16%.
For more information and to view the full data analysis, visit zocdoc.com.
Photo courtesy of Adobe Stock
SOURCE:
Zocdoc
Our Lifestyle section on STM Daily News is a hub of inspiration and practical information, offering a range of articles that touch on various aspects of daily life. From tips on family finances to guides for maintaining health and wellness, we strive to empower our readers with knowledge and resources to enhance their lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activity ideas, fashion trends, or travel recommendations, our lifestyle section has got you covered. Visit us today at https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/ and embark on a journey of discovery and self-improvement.
Author
Discover more from Daily News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Food and Beverage
Unwrap the Holidays: Whataburger Launches 12 Days of Whatacheer With Daily App Deals
Celebrate the holidays with Whataburger’s 12 Days of Whatacheer! Discover daily in-app deals, exclusive to Rewards members, from December 12–23. Unwrap new menu favorites, BOGO offers, and festive savings—only on the Whataburger App.
12 Days of Whatacheer: Festive Deals for Rewards Members
How It Works
- Who: Whataburger Rewards members (sign up in the app if you’re not already!)
- When: December 12–23, with a new offer every day
- How: Open the Whataburger App, claim the day’s deal, and enjoy with your next order
Holiday-themed graphic reading ‘12 Days of WhataCheer’ on a red background with white dots. Below the text are images of Whataburger menu items: a Cinnamon Roll, Onion Rings, a Whataburger, a Whatafresher, a Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit, and a Strawberry Shake.
Why Join the Whataburger Rewards Fun?
Get Started
Authors
Discover more from Daily News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Recipe of the Week
Holiday Desserts Just Got a Dairy-Forward Upgrade
Holiday Desserts: From festive cookies to indulgent dips, these delicious desserts bring people together to create memories that will last a lifetime. If you’re looking to impress guests, Santa Cookies are the ultimate treat. For a unique twist, try Gingerbread Dip, featuring vanilla Greek yogurt made with 100% grass-fed organic milk.
Last Updated on December 17, 2025 by Rod Washington
Holiday Desserts Just Got a Dairy-Forward Upgrade
(Family Features) Holiday desserts set the stage for seasonal delight and add a touch of joy to gatherings. From festive cookies to indulgent dips, these delicious desserts bring people together to create memories that will last a lifetime. If you’re looking to impress guests, Santa Cookies are the ultimate treat. Made with Maple Hill Salted Butter, they’re rich, soft and full of festive spirit. For a unique twist, try Gingerbread Dip, featuring vanilla Greek yogurt made with 100% grass-fed organic milk. Whether you’re hosting or deciding what to bring to the potluck, Maple Hill’s 100% grass-fed organic dairy makes it easy to whip up desserts that are as wholesome as they are delicious. Rich in nutrients and free from GMOs, hormones and antibiotics, each product comes from farms that prioritize regenerative practices as nature intended. With a 40% healthier ratio of omega 3:6 and 40% higher levels of CLA fatty acids compared to traditional organic dairy, you can feel good about sweet treats at the holiday table. To find more recipes, visit MapleHill.com.
Santa Cookies
Yield: 14 cookies- 1 cup (2 sticks) Maple Hill Salted Butter, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon red food coloring
- mini chocolate chips
- mini red chocolate-coated candies
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) Maple Hill Salted Butter, at room temperature
- 4 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- Preheat oven to 350 F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In large mixing bowl, beat butter, sugar and vanilla until light and fluffy. Add egg and beat until combined. Add flour and salt; mix until dough begins to form ball.
- Remove 1 cup dough and set aside. Add red food coloring to remaining dough.
- From red cookie dough, make one 1-inch ball and five 1/2-inch balls. From plain cookie dough, make one 3/4-inch ball and five 1/4-inch balls.
- On prepared baking sheet, place red 1-inch ball and gently flatten until 1/2-inch thick. Attach four red 1/2-inch balls for arms and legs. Attach plain 3/4-inch ball for head and gently flatten until 1/2-inch thick. Attach plain 1/4-inch balls for hands and feet. Shape remaining red 1/2-inch ball into triangle for hat and attach. Repeat with remaining dough, arranging cookies 2 inches apart on baking sheet. Add chocolate candies for eyes and buttons.
- Bake 12-15 minutes, or until lightly golden.
- To make frosting: In medium bowl, beat butter and cream cheese until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add vanilla and powdered sugar; mix until combined.
- To decorate: Place half of frosting in piping bag with small tip to line Santa’s arms and legs. Place other half in second piping bag with small star tip to add Santa’s beard, hat and hands. Put small dot of icing between eyes and beard and place red mini chocolate-coated candy on face for nose.
Gingerbread Dip
Servings: 8-12- 4 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons molasses
- 1 container (16 ounces) Maple Hill Vanilla Greek Yogurt
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 cups whipped cream
- graham crackers
- fruit
- In medium bowl using electric mixer on medium speed, beat cream cheese and sugars about 1 minute. Add molasses and mix until combined.
- Add Greek yogurt, ginger, cinnamon and nutmeg; beat until combined. Fold in whipped cream and mix until fully incorporated. Refrigerate 1 hour before serving or overnight.
- Serve with graham crackers and fruit.
At our core, we at STM Daily News, strive to keep you informed and inspired with the freshest content on all things food and beverage. From mouthwatering recipes to intriguing articles, we’re here to satisfy your appetite for culinary knowledge.
Visit our Food & Drink section to get the latest on Foodie News and recipes, offering a delightful blend of culinary inspiration and gastronomic trends to elevate your dining experience. https://stmdailynews.com/food-and-drink/
Discover more from Daily News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Family
Festive Blooms: How to Use Popular Christmas Flowers
Christmas Flowers: Whether you’re decorating your space with a wreath or garland, giving a fresh gift or crafting the centerpiece for your holiday table, these festive blooms can bring a touch of nature’s joy to your celebrations and showcase the beauty that thrives even during the coldest season.
Festive Blooms: How to Use Popular Christmas Flowers
Whether you’re decorating your space with a wreath or garland, giving a fresh gift or crafting the centerpiece for your holiday table, these festive blooms can bring a touch of nature’s joy to your celebrations and showcase the beauty that thrives even during the coldest season. Poinsettias One of, if not the most iconic, flowers of the holiday season, poinsettias are recognized by their bright red “blooms,” which are actually colorful bracts surrounding small yellow flowers. A symbol of love, hope and Christmas cheer, poinsettias thrive indoors with bright, indirect light and can be used for holiday decor, festive centerpieces or given as a potted gift. Amaryllis Popular for creating holiday arrangements or as a long-lasting indoor plant, the amaryllis features large, trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of red, white, pink or striped varieties. Grown from a bulb, they bloom year after year with proper care, including during the winter months. Holly Featuring glossy green leaves and bright red berries, holly has been a holiday staple for centuries. The flowers are commonly used in wreaths, garlands and other Christmas arrangements and can be displayed on mantels, doors or around doorways. However, holly berries are toxic if ingested, so keep arrangements away from children and pets. Christmas Rose (Hellebore) With blooms that typically appear around Christmas, the Christmas rose is a perennial that thrives in shaded garden beds, even in cooler weather. It brightens up winter landscapes with its creamy white or pink-tinted flowers, which have come to symbolize hope amid the snow. Paperwhites Ideal for tabletop decor or window displays, paperwhites, a type of narcissus, produce clusters of delicate white blooms with a sweet fragrance. They’re easy to grow from bulbs indoors during the winter months and can add a natural holiday touch to any room by simply placing in decorative containers filled with pebbles and water. Learn more about Christmas flowers and find additional seasonal advice at eLivingtoday.com. Photo courtesy of ShutterstockThe fate of Lucky Supermarkets in SoCalLink: https://stmdailynews.com/the-fate-of-lucky-supermarkets-in-socal/
Discover more from Daily News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
