What's the Connection Between COVID-19 and Bruxism?
COVID-19 has numerous consequences, many of which are not related to the lungs or yet unknown. One such unexpected, yet not very rare aftermath, is bruxism. Dentists have recently seen a surge in bruxism cases and seek to discover its underlying factors. We'll explain bruxism, its causes, and the connection with COVID-19.
What is bruxism?
Bruxism is a medical name for teeth grinding. This effect typically occurs at night but may also happen at any other time of the day. Some patients don't even notice their teeth grinding during high concentration moments or in sleep. But this doesn't mean one should neglect the problem. Over time, bruxism damages teeth enamel and may cause teeth to misalign.
Stress and orthodontic problems are the leading causes of bruxism. In other words, it can occur due to both emotional and physical issues. Bruxism often is a sign of a more serious problem, both dental and non-dental.
Apart from teeth grinding, bruxism's symptoms include sleep issues, jaw or neck soreness, increased tooth sensitivity, chipped, fractured, or flattened teeth, and dull headaches. Patients who don't grind teeth in the daytime but experience some of these symptoms should seek medical help to evaluate the situation.
Bruxism and COVID-19
COVID-19 has affected those who have experienced the illness and those who were never infected. Stress is one of the main factors causing bruxism. Even people with perfect tooth alignment may suffer from this condition during nervous periods in their lives. It's no secret that COVID-19 has a significant effect on the emotional state of many people. Financial struggles, health concerns, and being restricted indoors are a heavy burden for many. This fact explains the surge in bruxism cases during the global pandemic.
Another factor, although less common, is the inability of some patients to access dental help promptly. It may arise due to local lockdown, self-isolation, or financial struggles. Patients with misaligned teeth tend to grind them, trying to align them properly. Bruxism, in this case, is treated by fixing the teeth alignment, but this requires regular visits to an orthodontist.
How to treat bruxism
Like most dental problems, bruxism is best treated when it's detected early and hasn't caused significant effects as yet. If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above, it's time to see a dentist. A specialist can evaluate the situation and formulate a suitable treatment plan. Patients who only experience bruxism at night may solve the issue by wearing a nightguard. In other cases, one may require complex and numerous teeth alignment procedures.
If you need a gentle, caring dental team, please call Jennifer Fineberg’s office at (623) 362-2550. We’ll give you the very best dental care we can!
