BRUXISM is on the rise, and the pandemic may be partly to blame.
People do tend to grind their teeth when under stress. Not all, but some. And COVID-19 has been stressful, and that’s an overwhelming understatement.
Natural teeth are meant to last a lifetime, says the American Association of Endodontists (AAE), the association of dentists who practice endodontics, one of the 12 dental specialties recognized by the American Dental Association.
Cases of cracked teeth and dental related injuries have surged throughout the pandemic– and it may be due at least in part to pandemic -related stress wreaking havoc on oral health. Instances of bruxism – or tooth grinding – are up in the United States, says the AAE.
The AAE represents more than 8,000 specialized endodontists who save natural teeth and relieve tooth pain. The organization has listed the things patients need to know about cracked teeth.
A cracked tooth is caused by injury or general wear and tear caused by grinding or clenching teeth – “a symptom of stress.”
There are other simpler causes though, like chewing on hard candies and any food that is hard to bite like popcorn that’s not popped (you know, the kernels that you find among popcorns that you know is not eatable and yet you chew on them anyway). Ice is just as hard to chew and can crack teeth just as well.
And have you seen the protective mouth wear that Manny Pacquiao and all professional boxers wear in the ring? It’s meant to protect the teeth from severe damage, including cracked teeth. (In many countries, people – not just boxers – actually use protective mouth wear when they suffer from bruxism.)
Most times we are not aware that our teeth (or tooth) have already cracked. We are alerted to the fact when we our teeth feel that foods and drinks are too hot or too cold for comfort. The discomfort comes and goes, and we tend to dismiss it.
We should not. Especially when chewing becomes painful – another sign of cracked teeth.
There are times when cracks transform into chipped teeth, actually the most common of dental injuries.
Chipped teeth is reparable. A broken piece of the tooth enamel may be reattached. A filling may be placed.
For these, the professional attention of an endodontist is needed.
A final word. It is safe to visit a dentist even in a pandemic setting. Filipino dentists follow the strict safety guidelines and health protocols of the Philippine Dental Association.
A study conducted by the American Dental Association Science & Research Institute and Health Policy Institute shows that the COVID-19 infection rate among dentists remains lower compared to other health professionals.
***
Dr. Joseph D. Lim is the former Associate Dean of the College of Dentistry, University of the East; former Dean, College of Dentistry, National University; Past President and Honorary Fellow of the Asian Oral Implant Academy; Honorary Fellow of the Japan College of Oral Implantologists; and Honorary Life Member of the Thai Association of Dental Implantology. For questions on dental health, e-mail jdlim2008@gmail.com or text 0917-8591515./PN
