If your teeth have been hurting more frequently lately, New Hampshire dentists say you're not alone.>> Download the free WMUR appDentists are warning that putting off oral health care during the pandemic could result in long-term problems."There's no doubt you see more evidence of grinding and evidence of tooth pain, bite alteration, fractured teeth," said Dr. Gary Lindner, of Lindner Dental Associates.Health professionals said there has been an increase in stressors, including a drastic rise in teeth grinding, because of the pandemic."These are all consequences, in part, due to stress, so we're providing more night guards to prevent more stress on their teeth," Lindner said."The moment you start feeling oral pain, you've got a problem," said Michael Auerbach, of the New Hampshire Dental Society.According to dental society, many oral emergencies became even worse in the early part of the pandemic because of the fear of getting COVID-19. Many patients also found it impossible to get an appointment. But after dentists adopted strict hygiene policies, dental visits are back to near 75% of pre-pandemic levels, officials said."The remaining percent of people that have not gone back to the dentist, the majority of those are simply waiting for the vaccine," Auerbach said.Auerbach said there have been no cases in New Hampshire of COVID-19 transmission between patients and dentists."The mouth is a portal to your body and can be an important place where gum disease can have a relationship with other systemic problems, like heart disease," Lindner said."Oral health is part of your overall health, and that's something that's very important," Auerbach said. "If you feel pain in your chest, you call your doctor or go to the emergency room. If you feel pain in your mouth, you need to speak with your dentist right away."