Cracking under pressure: Dentists see more cases of damaged teeth in pandemic

Stress and anxiety are highly associated with bruxism. PHOTO: ISTOCKPHOTO

SINGAPORE - Pharmacy manager Chau An Bich had intermittent aches in her jaw but did not consult her dentist about it because she found the pain manageable.

Four months ago, the pain became more intense and she noticed a lump on the right side of her jaw. The area around it was also tender and sore, she said.

It prompted the 34-year-old to visit an ear, nose and throat specialist at Mount Elizabeth Hospital last month. She was advised to see a dentist and was referred to The Dental Studio at Paragon, which she visits every six months for a check-up.

She had an X-ray taken of her right temporomandibular joint (joint connecting the jawbone to the skull). Thankfully, it showed no growth or abnormalities.

Said Ms Chau, who is married to an auditor: "The dentist concluded that it was a muscle-related injury that was causing the ache and soreness and said it was most likely due to the grinding or clenching of my teeth."

She now wears a mouth guard when she sleeps to protect her teeth from the damage that occurs during grinding and clenching.

Bruxism is an involuntary movement disorder characterised by excessive clenching and grinding of the teeth. It can occur when a person is asleep, known as sleep bruxism, or awake, referred to as awake bruxism.

Symptoms include headache, neck and jaw pain, or dental symptoms such as cracked teeth, damaged dental restorations such as broken crowns, and sensitive or sore teeth.

Some also present with symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorder such as reduced opening of the mouth, pain on opening, locked jaw and joint sounds such as clicking or crepitations on opening and closing of the mouth.

Dentists said bruxism is caused by physical, psychological and genetic factors.

Stress and anxiety are highly associated with bruxism, said Dr Marilyn Loui, a dentist at Smile Central Clinic.

A cracked tooth due to bruxism on the distal end of the tooth. The patient had experienced pain when biting and increased sensitivity to cold. PHOTO: THE DENTAL STUDIO

"The effects of suppressing emotions and motor activities results in several neuromuscular disorders. Chronic stress and the reactions triggered by it causes functional deficiencies of the nervous-muscle system (leading to bruxism)," said Dr Loui.

The stress brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic has also led to an increase in bruxism.

Dr Lynette Ng, dental director at The Dental Studio, said: "Stressful situations activate the sympathetic pathways in a fight or flight response causing jaw muscles to increase in tonicity, thus the clenching of teeth. Stress can also keep people awake at night, and insomnia or poor sleep patterns have been associated with worsening bruxism at night."

Ms Chau said the pain in her jaw could have been "exacerbated" by the anxiety she has felt due to the pandemic. "The pain only became intense four months ago, so it could be due to the stressors from Covid-19. I'm anxious because nobody anticipated such an outbreak and there is uncertainty as to how long this will go on for."

Dr Chua Ee Kiam, senior consultant at the National Dental Centre Singapore's Department of Restorative Dentistry, Prosthodontic Unit, said changes in the job landscape, adjustments to new working environment, disruption to social activities and the fear of Covid-19 infection can cause an increased level of mental activity that may not be well addressed.

"The mind-processing activities often continue in the subconscious mode, during sleep, triggering jaw muscle activity," he said.

The National Dental Centre sees about 30 patients a month for bruxism and Dr Chua is expecting the number to rise due to the higher stress and anxiety levels during this period.

The number of patients with bruxism has increased by about three to four times at The Dental Studio since the end of the circuit breaker, noted Dr Ng, a prosthodontist.

She now sees three to four patients a week with pain related to bruxism or requesting mouthguards as their old ones have been worn out.

She also reported an increase in the number of patients with fractured teeth that required extractions, root canals or crowns.

Bruxism can also occur in an individual if a family member suffers the same problem.

A high intake of alcohol and caffeine, and medication such as antidepressants and certain illegal drugs can also increase its occurrence.

Most people are not aware that they grind their teeth when they sleep, but become aware of the pain or its impact when they wake up with a headache or sore jaw muscles.

"The grinding forces can be as high as 80kg," said Dr Ng.

A cracked tooth due to bruxism on the distal end of the tooth. The patient had experienced pain when biting and increased sensitivity to cold. PHOTO: THE DENTAL STUDIO

People may also learn about it when their sleep partners complain of the jarring sound of teeth gnashing together.

"The episodes can be transient, lasting a few seconds, and can range up to 100 episodes a night. Teeth grinding also varies significantly over time and may appear at certain periods of our lives, disappear and, for some, only to reappear again.

"As such, more than 80 per cent of bruxers are unaware they have this problem," she added.

Though bruxism cannot be cured, it can be managed through certain lifestyle adjustments.

Dr Loui said treatment for bruxism usually begins with an improvement to one's sleep pattern, reducing the intake of coffee, quitting smoking and limiting physical or mental activity before going to bed.

Apart from wearing a mouth guard to reduce the damage to the teeth and jaw during grinding and clenching, pain medication can also help relieve the symptoms.

Dr Chua advised those with the condition to exercise regularly to try to reduce stress levels.

However, he added: "Teeth wear and damage occur over a period of time and often patients see us only when the damage is extensive. A check with the dentist is a good start."


TIPS ON MANAGING BRUXISM

There is no cure for involuntary teeth grinding and clenching, known as bruxism. However, several approaches can decrease episodes and limit damage to the teeth and jaw.

1. Reduce stress levels

High levels of stress contribute to bruxism, so taking steps to reduce and manage stress may help to naturally decrease teeth grinding.

While stress cannot be eradicated completely, individuals should focus on reframing negative reactions to a stressful situation. Listening to music, taking a warm bath, meditating or exercising can help promote relaxation and may reduce the risk of developing bruxism.

2. Facial exercises

Tongue and jaw muscle exercises can help to relax the jaw and facial muscles and maintain proper alignment of the jaw. It can also help some people reduce the pain in their jaw or neck.

Facial relaxation and massage of the head and neck area may further reduce muscle tension.

A doctor or dentist may be able to suggest specific exercises or make a referral to a physical therapist or massage therapist.

3. Avoid hard food

Another component of treatment is relieving symptoms to better cope with bruxism.

Avoid eating hard foods such as nuts, popcorn and hard candies to cut down on painful movements of the jaw. Be cautious with peanut butter and other sticky foods that are difficult to chew.

4. Avoid stimulating substances in the evening

Do not drink caffeinated coffee or tea after dinner and avoid consuming alcohol in the evening as they may worsen bruxism.

5. Practise good sleep habits

Getting a good night's sleep, which may include treatment for sleep problems, may help reduce bruxism.

6. Schedule regular visits to the dentist

While there are steps that can be taken at home to help with bruxism, it is important to talk to a dentist, who can recommend the best treatment in a specific situation.

Dental exams are the best way to identify bruxism. A dentist can spot signs of it in your mouth and jaw from regular visits.

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