With the additional stress we’ve all felt lately, have you found yourself grinding your teeth or clenching your jaws more? Do you experience increased facial pain?
Well, you’re not alone and we can help!
This condition is known as bruxism, a condition in which you may unconsciously clench your teeth while you are awake or grind them during sleep. This can lead to other conditions such as sleep apnea, TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders, headaches, damaged teeth, and other oral health problems.
A new study from Tel Aviv University in Israel found that many people are experiencing increased teeth grinding and pain due to the stress and anxiety associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. The study found an increase from 35% before the pandemic to 47% during.
Dentists across North America have also been noticing an increase in patients with cracked or damaged teeth. Some believe this may be related to an increase in jaw clenching and grinding due to stress. New York City-based Dr. Tammy Chen notes that poor posture while working from home may also play a role.
Symptoms of Bruxism
What You Can Do
Self-care during the pandemic is essential, particularly stress relief and mindfulness. Remember to take care of your physical and mental health by establishing a healthy routine, exercise regularly, and maintain a healthy diet. Make sure your working space at home is ergonomically designed and always be mindful of your posture while you work.
It is also important to keep up with your regularly scheduled dental checkups. This will help us identify any existing or potential problems promptly, thus avoiding the need for more complicated treatments later on. If you have been putting off dental care because of COVID-19, please know that our office follows the requirements and guidance provided by Public Health Ontario and our professional associations, details of which can be found on our website. We are also available to answer any questions you may have about the precautions we have in place.
If you are having chronic jaw pain or notice that you have been clenching or grinding your teeth, contact us to schedule an appointment to assess your symptoms and, where indicated, offer suggestions to treat them. Contact us today to see how we can help!
Resources:
At our North York dental office, our fees are based on the most current Ontario Dental Association fee guides.
If you have any questions about the costs of any of our dental services, please contact us so one of our staff members can clarify and guide you through the price determinations.
You can find our patient referral form here. We provide dental care for the whole family, including children's dentistry and emergency dental care.
