Tooth grinding and clenching has always been an issue, but since the pandemic, dentists all over the planet are seeing an uptick in tooth cracks, chips, and fractures. Dr. Angela Cameron from Sophisticated-Smiles in Johnston City is also noticing an increase in cracked restorations and broken teeth.
Cracked Teeth are Receiving National Attention
Ever since dental practices have reopened, there has been an increase in tooth cracks and tooth breakages due to clenching and tooth grinding. People who wouldn’t normally grind and clench are doing so unconsciously because of the added stress that the pandemic has caused.
Tooth Clenching Leads to More Problems
In addition to cracked and chipped teeth, tooth clenching also causes jaw problems. Referred to as TMD, or temporomandibular joint disorder, TMD is a real disorder. While some temporomandibular joint disorder sufferers have had jaw problems in the past, others are experiencing it for the first time.
When people are stressed, they tend to clench and grind teeth while they sleep. Some even clench and grind when they are awake. The constant grinding and clenching causes jaw issues and problems with the temporomandibular joint. Your temporomandibular joint or TMJ is the hinge that connects your lower and upper jaw.
The Ripple Effect Caused by the Pandemic
There has been a real ripple effect when it comes to teeth, gums, and COVID-19. Because dental practices were forced to close for months people who already had dental appointments missed those appointments and have had to deal with additional tooth and gum trauma.
Remember, there are still some who will not leave the house until there is a vaccine. That in itself will cause additional oral health problems. Add to that people who have been dealing with the stress of clenching and grinding and you have a serious problem.
The Interruption of Life and Tooth Grinding
It’s also important to note that when rhythm is interrupted people forget the simple things in life. Some of those simple things include brushing and flossing. Because people were forced to stay home, their daily routines were nearly forgotten. Missed dental appointments became a thing of the past with other issues taking over daily lives. One of those issues is stress.
Tooth Grinding and Clenching
Tooth grinding and clenching also cause headaches, neck aches and jaw pain. If you hear a popping sound when you open and close your mouth or if you have noticed that your teeth are beginning to wear, you could be experiencing problems with your temporomandibular joint.
TMJ Help from Sophisticated-Smiles
As a licensed and preferred provider of oral appliance therapy for TMD, Dr. Angela Cameron is ready to help you relax with a comfortable mouth guard that will help eliminate tooth clenching and grinding.
Call Your Dentist in Johnson City for Tooth Grinding
If you are noticing jaw pain that wasn’t there in the past, or you think you may be tooth grinding, you could be suffering from temporomandibular joint disorder. Call and schedule an appointment with Sophisticated-Smiles. It really is a better alternative than clenching and grinding.
