{"id":100,"date":"2021-03-01T14:15:00","date_gmt":"2021-03-01T14:15:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.deandentalcare.com\/blog\/?p=100"},"modified":"2021-04-01T14:19:05","modified_gmt":"2021-04-01T14:19:05","slug":"dental-emergencies-from-covid","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.deandentalcare.com\/blog\/2021\/03\/01\/dental-emergencies-from-covid\/","title":{"rendered":"The Connection Between COVID and Dental Emergencies"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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For over a year, the world has been rocked by the COVID outbreak. As a result, several peripheral issues have arisen. Dentists have noticed an influx of dental emergencies from COVID, but why? How can a respiratory virus impact a person\u2019s dental health? As you continue reading, a dentist explains the connection and what you can do to prevent a dental emergency<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

The Relationship Between Stress and Dental Problems<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), there has been an increase in the number of people dealing with stress and anxiety since the outbreak of the COVID virus. This is understandable given the many challenges and strains that the pandemic has placed on lives at all levels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The heightened stress has contributed to an increase in bruxism (teeth grinding). The condition can eventually take a toll on the enamel (the hard-outer layer that covers the teeth) and cause cracked teeth and crowns. Another problem associated with bruxism is temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, which is the painful inflammation of the joints that open and close the mouth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

Often, bruxism occurs while sleeping, so a person may not initially be aware of the issue. Thus, it helps to be on the lookout for such indicators as tense facial and jaw muscles, headaches, jaw popping and tongue indentions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

Treating Bruxism<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

One way to avoid a cracked tooth or crown is to seek treatment for bruxism. Of course, you\u2019ll want to act sooner than later, as procrastination has been the key ingredient of many dental emergencies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since most bouts of bruxism occur while sleeping, a dentist can custom design a mouthguard that prevents any teeth grinding. Here are some additional measures that can be taken to lower stress levels:<\/p>\n\n\n\n