{"id":333,"date":"2021-02-10T22:04:00","date_gmt":"2021-02-10T22:04:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.capronparkdental.com\/blog\/?p=333"},"modified":"2021-03-10T22:09:42","modified_gmt":"2021-03-10T22:09:42","slug":"is-covid-contributing-to-an-increase-in-dental-emergencies","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.capronparkdental.com\/blog\/is-covid-contributing-to-an-increase-in-dental-emergencies\/","title":{"rendered":"Is COVID Contributing to an Increase in Dental Emergencies?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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To say that the COVID pandemic has impacted the entire planet is an understatement. Unfortunately, it has caused more than just a threat to people\u2019s respiratory health. New data suggests a connection between jaw pain and COVID, and an increase in dental emergencies related to cracked teeth and crowns. As you continue reading, learn about the relationship and discover the value of maintaining regular dental visits<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

How Increased Stress Can Encourage Poor Dental Health<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has released an abundance of information about the increase of stress due to the outbreak of the COVID virus. States of heightened stress can affect dental health by contributing to jaw clenching and teeth grinding (which is called Bruxism). This can lead to premature enamel wear and cracked teeth and crowns. Bruxism can also encourage temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, which is the inflammation of the joints that open and close the mouth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Warning Signs of Bruxism or a Cracked Tooth<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Because bruxism can sometimes go undetected for a prolonged period, it\u2019s important to know what warning signs to be on the lookout for. Pay attention to any jaw or facial muscle tension, headaches, jaw popping or tongue indentions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some of the possible indicators of cracked teeth are pain when chewing or biting, swollen gums around the injured tooth or sensitivity to hot or cold foods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Treatment for Bruxism<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Of course, it\u2019s best to seek treatment for bruxism before it leads to a cracked tooth or crown or TMJ disorder. A dentist can custom design a mouthguard to be worn at night, since this is when most people grind their teeth the most.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are some complimentary means of reducing stress levels:<\/p>\n\n\n\n