An American Dental Association survey finds more than 70 percent of dentists are reporting an increase in patients with teeth grinding and clenching problems. LSU School of Dentistry Chair of Endodontics Dr. Mark Odom said it is an emotional response to an increase in stress from the pandemic.
“And so, we’ve seen a tremendous amount of this and it is, unfortunately, a human nature thing. It is a coping mechanism that people don’t realize they’re doing,” said Odom.
Odom said some grind their teeth or clench their jaws in their sleep and in addition to possibly cracking or chipping teeth they can experience headaches and soreness in their jaw.
“Trapping of those teeth together generates a tremendous amount of pressure that will cause breaking of the teeth, cracking of the teeth, and create some significant muscle soreness and issues,” said Odom.
Odom said if you are experiencing symptoms see a dentist about being fitted for a guard or splint that you can wear to ease pressure before you chip or crack a tooth. In the meantime, you can also put hot-cold compresses on your jaws.
“So, you go from hot to cold or cold to hot, to try to get those muscles to relax. Another thing would be to change your diet so it’s easier to chew. Cut things up in smaller bites,” said Odom.
Sometimes side effects of medication to help you deal with stress can cause muscle tension which Odom said can lead to teeth clenching.
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