This pandemic is causing a lot of stress and anxiety on everyone. However, that added stress has led to a significant rise in orofacial and jaw pain, as well as jaw clenching in the daytime and teeth grinding at nighttime.
Women are suffering more
Research has found that women suffered more from jaw clenching and teeth grinding than men. In fact, those between the ages of 35 and 55 suffered the most. This shows that the distress felt by the middle generation is suffering the most because they are at home with young children, are missing the usual help from grandparents, worry about their elderly parents, face financial problems and are often required to work from home under trying conditions.
The rise in jaw clenching and teeth grinding is due to the added stress that everyone is feeling, which means it is important to find ways to calm that added anxiety and stress. This can help to prevent further complications, such as temporomandibular joint disorder.
Focus on what you can control
One way to overcome added stress is to focus on what you can control. For example, while you can’t control the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, you can take proper preventive measures to reduce your own personal risk such as:
- Wearing a mask.
- Washing your hands frequently.
- Staying home as much as possible.
- Avoiding crowds and gatherings of 10 or more people.
- Keeping 6 feet of distance from other people.
- Following recommendations from health authorities.
Contact us today to learn more about how to find relief from jaw clenching and teeth grinding as well as stress.