Are you told that you need a dental crown due to a cracked tooth despite practicing good oral hygiene at home? Perhaps you woke up one morning and felt tooth pain you weren’t experiencing before, but weren’t sure why? The pandemic can cause all sorts of stress, and stress also happens to be one of the leading causes of bruxism, a condition characterized by chronic teeth grinding and clenching. Frequent grinding can lead to all kinds of dental pain, but TMJ therapy in Century City can put a stop to it and give you one less thing to stress about.

How COVID-19 Leads to Bruxism

When it comes to issues like the pandemic, a problem that affects people all over the world, it’s understandable to be stressed out. Many people have reasons to feel uncertain about the future, especially if they recently lost their job. Even worse, if they became sick or lose a family member to Covid-19, that’s one of the most stressful events that can occur.

When it comes to diagnosing conditions like bruxism, dentists will often ask patients if they have been experiencing a high level of stress in their lives, as it’s one of the main causes of this chronic condition.

At this time, the connection between Covid-19 and bruxism remains inconclusive simply because there is not enough research available to confirm it. But, it is definitely wise to see your dentist if you’re encountering new oral problems, especially if you have been experiencing symptoms, such as tooth pain or sensitivity, chipped or worn-down teeth, or headaches and jaw pain after waking up.

The Long-Term Implications of Bruxism

When bruxism is present, it does not magically go away on its own. It needs to be managed both during the day and before you go to bed. Without giving it the dedicated attention it needs, your tooth enamel could easily begin to wear down and even crack if it’s not protected.

Keep in mind that once tooth enamel has broken down, it needs to be restored by a dentist. Doing this not only brings back the natural function of your original tooth, but it also prevents it from breaking further. With longstanding bruxism, so much stress can be put on the jaw joints that you may need to have dedicated TMJ therapy to address your symptoms.

How to Know If You Need TMJ Therapy

If you experience any of the following symptoms, you’ll want to get in touch with a dentist so they can examine your mouth and jaw more closely as well as confirm what needs to be done to prevent future jaw problems. These symptoms include:

• Pain or tenderness around the jaw
• Aching facial pain
• Pain while chewing (or having difficulty chewing in general)
• Pain in your jaw joints
• Difficulty opening or closing your jaw (also known as lockjaw)

While stress may be more common due to the pandemic, that doesn’t mean you should ignore dental problems when they make themselves apparent. Instead, give a dentist a call and learn how they can help you get the relief you deserve.

About Beverly Hills Complete Dentistry

The dentists at Beverly Hills Complete Dentistry are trained to treat and help patients manage a variety of dental conditions and symptoms, including jaw problems, pain, aches, or damaged enamel caused by bruxism. Their expertise as well as their custom-made oral appliances can make it easier to handle your symptoms at home. To see if you need TMJ therapy, you can contact them through their website.