Why Teeth Grinding Is On The Rise Since The Covid-19 Pandemic

Since the Covid-19 pandemic struck, many people have noticed a rise in teeth grinding. Teeth grinding is when someone repetitively grinds their teeth together, often due to anxiety or stress.

Excessive teeth grinding, also referred to as bruxism has increased among people ever since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic mostly due to heightened anxiety, highly stressful life circumstances, disrupted sleep pattern & also due to increase in alcohol intake. These individuals also exhibit tenderness radiating to head and neck muscles, causing headaches. Night guards are recommended as a preventive measure to protect the teeth. Treating the underlying mental health condition becomes essential to treating these symptoms.

Researchers have discovered that a lot of sufferers experienced more frequent teeth grinding and pain as a result of COVID-19's pandemic. It is likely to be due to stress and anxiety that accompany the disease. People who are stressed are more likely to feel jaw tightening or teeth grinding. Certain self-help methods like mindfulness and stress reduction can aid. If you experience persistent pain, it's an ideal idea to seek help from a professional. 

If you've been suffering from more dental-related symptoms like grinding your teeth jaw clenching, jaw clenching, or jaw pain as a result of the COVID-19 epidemic, it may not be just a random coincident. A recent study, published October 12, 2021 by The Journal of Clinical Medicine states that this pattern was observed in several of the countries they examined, including Portugal, Brazil and Italy.  The authors of the study noted that anxiety and stress that comes with the constant risk of illness, financial concerns and social isolation can cause adverse health consequences such as temporomandibular disorder (TMD) as well as an increase in bruxism (teeth grind).

Furthermore, a panel of experts, including the Director of the UCLA Orofacial Pain Program, Sherwin Arman DMD, MPH, reviewed the effects of Covid 19 on orofacial pain during the pandemic period and believes that something similar is occurring within the U.S. 

Additional Survey Findings

• Researchers found that during the initial lockdown, there was an increase in the pain of the orofacial region that is a sign usually linked to stress and anxiety. 
• The frequency of this condition increased from around 35 percent before the outbreak to 47 percent in the course of the outbreak. 
• The frequency of jaw clenching throughout the day increased from around 17 percent to 32 percent. 
• The rate of teeth grinding at night ranged from 10 percent to around 36 percent. The general severity of symptoms increased by approximately 15 percent.

Some measures that can be taken to help ease the on-going symptoms of COVID-19 include:

- Practicing stress reduction techniques like mindfulness or yoga

- Practicing healthy eating habits

- Locating sources of support and socializing with others

- Utilizing self-care methods like aromatherapy, massages, or cooling baths.

- Taking medications prescribed by a doctor specifically for this type of pain 

- Seeking professional help if you experience persistent or severe symptoms.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services offers additional tips and advice for coping with the after effects of Covid-19. For ideas on staying mentally healthy, watch this video.

Even the NY TImes weighed in on Covid-19, publishing this article, "The Pandemic Was Bad for our Teeth - Will it Change Oral Care Forever?"

The Bottom Line

Remi is here to help and we already have served over 65,000 happy customers. Our experts are here to help you learn more about our tooth grinding relief products and how they may help you.