Dublin dentist reports increase in bruxism following the pandemic
A dentist from Dublin said there has been a noticeable increase in the number of patients suffering from the effects of bruxism since the pandemic.
Bruxism, which is the medical name for tooth grinding, can cause damage to the teeth, headaches, pain in the neck and shoulders and stiffness and soreness in the jaw.
Dr Jennifer Collins, from Northumberland Dental Care in Dublin, said that the pandemic triggered a surge in cases, which is likely to be linked to stress. During and after the Covid crisis, stress and anxiety levels were high, with many people worried about their health, relatives and friends, work and money.
Dr Collins explained that stress is one of the main risk factors for tooth grinding and said that the situation since the pandemic has been similar to that of the 2008 recession. When the economy started to suffer, people became increasingly anxious and more and more patients displayed signs of bruxism, including chipped and broken teeth, jaw pain and headaches.
During the pandemic, people started to grind their teeth due to the stress of the crisis, lockdowns and uncertainty about the future. Unfortunately, many haven’t got out of the habit and stress levels remain high due to subsequent difficulties and challenges, including the cost of living crisis.
Dr Collins, who is the clinical director of Dental Care Ireland, suggested that around a third of people will grind their teeth at some point in their lives. There are other causes, such as loose fillings and orthodontic issues, but stress is a common trigger. Students often clench their teeth during exam time while other causes include moving house and having a baby.
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