Dentists across the nation are noticing an uptick in patients presenting with excessive tooth wear over the past 18 months. Increased clenching and grinding of teeth are often associated with stress. Covid-19 appears to have caused an increase in these behaviors and the damage that results from parafunctional bruxism.
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Signs and symptoms of bruxism include:
- Teeth grinding or clenching with noise that wakes sleep partner
- Flattened, chipped or fractured teeth
- Worn enamel exposing the dentin layer of teeth
- Painful, sore or tight jaw muscles and TMJ joint
- Headaches or earaches
- Sleep disruption
Risk factors for bruxism include age, stress, personality type, and use of certain medications and substances such as antidepressants, caffeine, and alcohol. Treatments for bruxism vary based on the severity and condition of teeth and can include:
- Custom made splint or nightguard therapy
- Restoration of fractured teeth with crowns
- Stress management
- Biofeedback
