COVID-19: Dentists report a rise of teeth-grinding during pandemic

Have you ever woken up with a headache or stiffness in the jaw? Or has your dentist ever reported wear on you teeth from grinding?

If so, you may suffer from bruxism — involuntary grinding of the teeth, usually during sleep. Bruxism can also present itself during the daytime, sometimes caused by stress, a misaligned bite, or excessive caffeine.

Symptoms of bruxism may include:

• Abraded teeth

• Chipped or cracked teeth

• Facial pain

• Overly sensitive teeth

• Tense facial and jaw muscles

• Headaches

• Dislocation of the jaw

• Locking of the jaw

• Wearing away of the tooth enamel, exposing the underlying dentin (inside of the tooth)

• A popping or clicking in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ)

• Tongue indentations

• Damage to the inside of the cheek

• Wear facets (flat smooth areas created on the biting surfaces of the teeth as they are rubbed together repeatedly)

During the coronavirus pandemic, some dentists have reported an increase of dental emergencies related to bruxism (also called teeth-grinding), including cracked teeth and cracked fillings. Though stress is not the only cause of bruxism, some have suggested there may be a link between the two.

Sylvia Kreibig, a research psychologist at Stanford University, discussed the connection between stress and teeth-grinding in a in a Washington Post article:

“Given that stress is more prevalent,” she said, “this is a very solid ground for negative emotions to flourish and to affect our sleep and our well-being.”

While daytime bruxism can sometimes be treated by relaxation techniques, clenching and grinding that occurs overnight is often treated with a custom-made appliance called a nightguard or occlusal guard. A nightguard is a plastic mouthpiece that is designed to wear at night to absorb the force of biting, helping to prevent future damage to the teeth and aid in changing behavior.

Whether you manage bruxism by conscious behavior techniques or by wearing a custom appliance, limiting teeth clenching or grinding can improve the longevity of your teeth and prevent damage and wear.