When the COVID-19 pandemic first hit, dentists temporarily closed their doors to everyone except emergency patients. After one dentist with a practice in New York City reopened, a friend asked how her business was doing. The friend expected that perhaps patients were staying away due to concerns over COVID-19. However, the dentist responded that she had been busier than ever. Why? She said, “I’ve seen more tooth fractures in the last six weeks than in the previous six years.”
Indeed, many dentists may have noticed a similar upward trend in fractured teeth and jaw pain. What is the reason behind this troubling phenomenon, and what can you do to find jaw pain relief in the Capital District? Let’s discuss these important questions.
Possible Reasons for the Trend
There are a number of possible reasons for the uptick in jaw pain and cracked teeth, including:
- Stress. The pandemic itself, its economic consequences, and the politics surrounding it, are causing severe stress for many people. Stress often leads to teeth grinding and overworked facial muscles around the jaw.
- Ergonomics. More people than ever are working from home. They may not have an ergonomic desk and chair, and their posture may suffer. Poor posture is a risk factor for nighttime teeth grinding and TMJ disorder.
- A lack of sleep. A lack of sleep is a sign that your body is in “fight or flight” mode. This constant stress on the sympathetic nervous system makes teeth grinding and clenching more likely.
What You Can Do
If you have noticed pain in your jaw lately, it is important that you take action before you end up with a fractured tooth or other serious dental problems. You could try at-home techniques to relax your jaw muscles, such as applying a warm compress to your jaw, limiting caffeine and alcohol consumption, and availing yourself of stress relief techniques. Many people find that avoiding foods that require a lot of effort to chew is also beneficial.
You should also seek professional help. Your dentist will learn about your symptoms, check for damage to your teeth, and recommend an appropriate treatment. They may provide you with a custom oral appliance to prevent nighttime teeth grinding. They might also recommend Botox therapy. It prevents the facial muscles from over-contracting and gives your jaw a chance to relax and recover. Jaw exercises or other types of therapy may also prove to be helpful.
Is COVID-19 affecting your jaw’s well-being? If you suspect it is, working with your dentist to correct your condition will relieve your pain and could even save your smile!
Meet Your Local Jaw Pain Experts
Dr. Erin Page of Capital Smiles have undergone extensive training in the diagnosis and treatment of TMJ disorders. She is qualified to administer Botox to relieve overworked facial muscles. They approach each case with a personalized touch and a focus on providing long-lasting treatment results. To learn more about her and her services, contact our team at 518-374-0317.