Some of the more tangible evidence of stress caused throughout the pandemic is the rise in stress related dental health conditions reported by dentists all over the US Since reopening their clinics dentists are reporting a rise in chipped and cracked teeth cases bruxism temporomandibular joint TMJ disorder symptoms and various periodontal diseases As of September 2020 the American Dental Association ADA reported a 594 increased prevalence of bruxism around 53 of chipped and cracked teeth cases and TMD symptoms and almost 30 increase of periodontal disease cases
Experts suggest this sudden increase of oral health issues are attributed to stress due to COVID 19 But how exactly does stress affect dental health and what are the things one can do to avoid such problems
Understanding Stress Related Dental Problems
Due to the uncertainty brought on by the Covid 19 pandemic and the separation from their friends and family a lot of people suffered from a great deal of stress and anxiety Too much stress can result in teeth clenching and grinding or bruxism You might even notice that you are clenching your teeth while youre awake
The act of grinding your teeth can be a manifestation of that stress youre experiencing The intensity of the clenching can vary from one person to another However the impact of stress to your dental health is not limited to grinding It can also make you more susceptible to infections which can affect your gum tissue On the other hand stress can manifest in other forms such as development of canker sores dry mouth and many other oral health problems
Other Covid 19 Related Dental Problems
Teeth grinding and other dental health issues that arise from Covid 19 can cause damage to your teeth thats a fact However this is not the only thing you need to worry about In order to stop the spread of infection it is mandatory to wear face masks everywhere you go these days But this is making way for another form of dental health problem
When you wear a face mask it forces you to breathe through your mouth This practice makes your mouth drier than usual And when your mouth is dry it is more prone to infection especially in your gums This is also something that you need to look into in this time of global pandemic
How to Prevent Stress Related Dental Problems
Since anxiety and stress are the leading causes of bruxism managing it could be the key to prevent clenching and grinding of the teeth Dentists can prescribe over the counter non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs to manage the different types of pain caused by bruxism
In most cases they also prescribe the use of dental guards also referred as mouth guards night guards nocturnal bite plates This tool can provide cushion between the upper and lower teeth and minimize the tension and prevent damage to the teeth from constant clenching and grinding Cheap mouth guards are available in drugstores However they are usually soft and squishy Custom made mouth guards are worth the investment as they are more effective in preventing your teeth from grinding
There are generally two different types of night guards soft night guard and hard night guard The dentist will determine the right one for you depending on the severity of your bruxism and your preference
If youre suffering stress whether it causes dental pain or not one of the most important things to do is attempt to manage your stress and anxiety Thus performing activities that reduce stress such as breathing exercises yoga meditation mindfulness exercises along with staying physically active Your doctor may also suggest cognitive behavior therapy to better manage anxiety and stress
Final Words
Stress is a common part of life In fact stress can be a good thing as it can energize and motivate you to do certain things But too much stress is never a good thing The Covid 19 pandemic has caused many people to experience stress levels they have never known before All of the changes to everyday life as we know it lack of routines and a constant flow of news
While difficult focus on limiting stress and aim to build a self care ritual and look for other ways to channel negative energy It is also a good time to visit your dentist regularly as they can help treat any dental health issues you have stemming from stress
During routine exams your dentist will look for wear or other signs of teeth grinding If you do not regularly see a dentist you should schedule an appointment immediately as the damage can be permanent or costly to fix Your dentist will ask you about your health habits and other factors which may reveal the source of your bruxismYour dentist will also likely recommend a dental appliance to either prevent you from grinding your teeth or at least prevent damage to them
Splints and mouthguards are usually the most recommended form of controlling bruxism It should be noted that splints are not a cure for bruxism but merely a form of protection for your teeth Worn at night a splint keeps the teeth separated and prevents damage caused by grinding as well as eliminating the sounds that may disturb your bedpartner
Mandibular Advancement Devices MADs are similar to a mouthguard in that they are worn orally However instead of preventing your teeth from coming together they push your lower jaw down slightly and pull your tongue forward MADs are a common dental treatment for obstructive sleep apnea as keeping the tongue in a forward position prevents it from collapsing back into the airways MADs have also been shown to be effective in treating bruxism both with and without comorbidity of obstructive sleep apnea
At The Alaska Sleep Clinic we specialize in treating dozens of sleep disorders found in thousands of patients every year If you believe that you may have bruxism or any sleep related disorders and want help exploring potential diagnosis and treatment options feel free to contact us by clicking the link below
