As the world ground to a halt amid the COVID-19 crisis, we initially focused on its respiratory dangers, such as coughs and shortness of breath—severe symptoms that often led to pneumonia. However, as time passed, we discovered that COVID-19 affects much more than just the lungs; it has significant repercussions for various bodily systems, including gastrointestinal, neurological, vascular, and cardiac functions.
Now, it’s evident that our oral health is also suffering. The pandemic has led to an increase in teeth grinding and jaw clenching, primarily due to stress. With many people postponing dental appointments and reporting issues like tooth loss following COVID infections, our dental well-being is at stake.
We spoke with Dr. Marcus Taylor, an associate professor at the University of Coastal Dental Medicine and director of their Facial Pain Center, to learn about the pandemic’s influence on our teeth, particularly regarding bruxism—teeth grinding and clenching.
Why Are We Grinding Our Teeth More?
Two primary factors contribute to the rise in teeth grinding. First, stress is a significant culprit. The ongoing fear and anxiety surrounding a global pandemic, coupled with social, economic, and political challenges, have left many in a heightened state of tension. Dr. Anna Lee, D.D.S., explains that this stress manifests physically at night, often affecting our teeth.
The second reason may be related to posture. Many individuals are working from home at makeshift desks, which can lead to poor posture that increases tension in the neck muscles, resulting in more contact between the upper and lower teeth at night, according to Dr. Taylor. Additionally, some medications for anxiety or depression can heighten muscle activity, particularly in the jaw, further exacerbating bruxism.
Consequences of Teeth Grinding and Clenching
Grinding and clenching can lead to various issues, including facial pain, difficulty in mouth movement, headaches, neck pain, TMJ discomfort, and cracked teeth or dental restorations. Dr. Taylor has noted a rise in patients needing to replace damaged mouth guards. At one point, his practice had a waiting list of 200 individuals seeking help for jaw issues.
Long-term consequences of bruxism may include fractures in teeth or dental work and significant enamel wear. Chronic grinding can also lead to pain in the joints and muscles involved in chewing.
How to Prevent Nighttime Grinding and Clenching
Identifying nighttime teeth grinding can be challenging since many are unaware they are doing it. Alongside addressing the underlying causes, a custom mouth guard, designed for your specific symptoms, is the best preventative measure. Dr. Taylor mentions that over-the-counter mouth guards can provide temporary relief by separating teeth during the night.
In addition to a mouth guard, Dr. Taylor recommends jaw exercises, such as massaging your face while keeping your teeth apart, which may take just five to ten minutes in the morning, afternoon, and evening for relief. If you find yourself clenching during the day, practicing keeping your teeth apart with your tongue’s tip resting on the roof of your mouth can also be beneficial.
Tooth Loss Among Long COVID Sufferers
There are still many unknowns regarding how COVID affects tooth loss, particularly among long-haulers who experience lingering symptoms. While reports of tooth loss in these individuals are mostly anecdotal, they have caught the attention of experts. Dr. Sarah Nguyen, president of the Institute for Vascular Health, noted in a recent article that the unusual symptoms experienced by long COVID patients, including tooth loss, warrant further investigation.
Dental Office Safety
Regardless of your dental issues, it’s crucial not to skip your dental appointments. “Oral health is a vital aspect of your overall well-being,” Dr. Taylor advises. He encourages reaching out to your family dentist with any concerns, assuring that dental practices have implemented stringent safety protocols to protect patients and staff alike.
COVID-19 has altered nearly every facet of our lives, from work and social interactions to our sleep habits. While many changes are beyond our control, we can actively work to protect our dental health and find relief from these issues.
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Summary:
The COVID-19 pandemic is having a significant impact on dental health, leading to increased instances of teeth grinding and jaw clenching due to stress and poor posture. These issues can result in various dental problems, including headaches and cracked teeth. It is essential to address these concerns with the help of a dentist, who can provide mouth guards and advice on managing stress. Additionally, long COVID patients are reporting tooth loss, prompting further investigation into the virus’s effects on oral health.
Keyphrase: COVID-19 impact on dental health
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