Albertville, AL
COVID-19 had a considerable effect on our lives this year. The coronavirus pandemic has changed the way we work, go to school and shop. It’s limited our opportunities to socialize and travel. It’s also become a source of stress for everyone. One consequence of that extra stress? More dental damage. In this article, your Albertville dentists at Wall Street Dentistry explore why the pandemic is leading to more cracked teeth.
Cracked teeth are on the rise in America
When the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic back in March of 2020, the American Dental Association suggested that many dental practices limit or curtail services during the early stage of quarantine. As dentists started reopening for business over the summer, they noticed a trend: greater frequency of cracked teeth. According to this CNN piece, dentists reported treating more cracks than before, along with associated symptoms such as increased sensitivity of teeth, headaches, and jaw pain. All of these issues can be attributed to the same cause: bruxism, also known as the clinical term of teeth clenching and grinding.
The Dangers of Bruxism
It’s estimated that 10 to 15 percent of all Americans deal with bruxism at some point in their lives. Many people who suffer from bruxism engage in the habit at night and, as a result, never realize they are doing it. One of the main causes of bruxism is stress, and stress is heightened for many during the pandemic. This extra stress could stem from financial problems due to changes in job status or from stress related to the coronavirus itself.
There are a couple of other factors to consider, though, and they relate directly to how society has been forced to change due to COVID-19:
- Working from home – The coronavirus led many to start working and going to school on a remote basis. Depending on the layout of your home, you might be working anywhere you can: the couch, the kitchen island, a corner of the basement, etc. This can force your body into awkward positions, which can be brutal for your posture, wreaking havoc on your back and shoulders. Poor posture actually can affect the alignment of your bite and jaws and lead to you grinding your teeth at night.
- Poor sleep – People have plenty of reasons to struggle to rest during the pandemic. Restless nights and insomnia can be indicators of an overactive sympathetic nervous system. The sympathetic nervous system also oversees the body’s fight-or-flight response. If you are overly stressed due to the coronavirus, you perpetually remain in this heightened fight-or-flight state and don’t take the time to rest and recharge as your body needs.
Look for the signs of bruxism
Because many people grind their teeth at night, how do you know if you’re suffering from this issue?
Keep an eye out for any combination of these symptoms:
- Heightened sensitivity in your teeth
- Dental pain that seemingly migrates haphazardly from place to place in the mouth
- If your teeth are touching when you’re not chewing or talking
Treating Bruxism in Albertville
If bruxism goes unchecked, the extra pressure being exerted on your teeth can wear them down to the nubs. Don’t let this happen to you. Wall Street Dentistry can treat your bruxism by providing a customized oral appliance. When worn during sleep, this device protects your teeth from the potential future damage that can come from bruxism. In the meantime, you can make lifestyle changes to reduce the stress in your life by limiting your intake of news and social media, setting up a proper workstation in your home where you can maintain an ideal posture, or incorporating yoga or other stretching techniques to your daily routine. Still, if you’re experiencing symptoms of bruxism, you need to see a qualified dental professional. Call our office at (256) 878-0525 to schedule your consultation if you live in the areas of Albertville, Boaz, and Guntersville, Alabama.