“Covid Clenching” or Bruxism
Teeth Grinding, Facial Pain Have Increased Due to Stress from COVID-19
Scientists have found that many people are experiencing increased teeth grinding and pain during the COVID-19 pandemic.
This is most likely due to the stress and anxiety associated with the pandemic.
If you have found yourself dealing with more dental symptoms, such as teeth grinding, jaw clenching, and jaw pain during the COVID-19 pandemic, this probably isn’t just a coincidence. Times of stress and anxiety can lead to adverse health effects like temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and bruxism (teeth grinding). Anyone who’s under stress is likely to experience jaw clenching and teeth grinding.
As reported on national media - People are under immense stress during the Covid-19 pandemic, and it’s showing up on people’s teeth. One in three people grind or clenches their teeth at night and according to the dentists surveyed by the American dental association, about 63 percent saw an increase in cracked teeth.
Impacts from clenching and grinding
Damage to Teeth
Bruxism can damage to your teeth. Teeth can become sensitive, eroded, and experience broken fillings, and cracks. Without treatment, these problems will only grow worse and put your dental health at risk. If you have dental crowns, implants, or porcelain veneers, these can also become damaged.
TMJ
Clenching and grinding your teeth can also lead to a TMJ disorder. When you continue to put immense pressure on the TM joints night after night from clenching and grinding, it can cause severe pain, clicking or popping noises, make chewing difficult, and even cause lockjaw.
—Dr. Lance Grant
Protect Your Teeth with a Custom Night Guard
Most cases of Bruxism can easily be treated by wearing a night guard for teeth while you sleep. Night guards for teeth work by putting a barrier between your teeth.
At Weiser & Grant Dentistry we can create a custom night guard for you or determine if other/additional treatments are recommended for heathy sleep and teeth.
