COVID-19 JAW PAIN – PART 1

Of the many issues that this pandemic is causing, stress may be at the top of the list. Dentists are seeing a sizable increase in patients complaining of symptoms of joint, muscle and/or tooth pain directly associated with an etiology of grinding and/or clenching.

Although methods of relaxation are important to get through the stresses of life, it may not be enough to prevent symptoms in the TMJ, muscles and teeth, especially in the subconscious (i.e. sleeping). Many times, patients are aware of the symptoms, but don’t realize the origin of the problem.

Studies have shown a link between tooth grinding, clenching and headaches. For people who grind or clench, the muscles that open and close the jaw can become painful from overuse, causing a range of symptoms from tension to migraine headaches to jaw joint (TMJ) problems to tooth pain.

Bruxing (grinding) and clenching teeth is defined as abnormal tooth contact (parafunction). Ordinarily, teeth are in contact while eating and swallowing, only about 10 to 15 minutes on a daily basis. People who grind or clench their teeth during the day, or while sleeping, can have their teeth in contact for as much as six hours a day or more. Researchers say that one night of grinding is equivalent to 80 days of normal wear.

Clenching can be just as bad, and in some cases worse than grinding. The average person puts about 200 lbs. of force on back molars during function but a person who clenches can put up to 1000 lbs. on the molars. This is a lot of force for the teeth to withstand. Fractured teeth are seen on a regular basis in dental offices due to clenching.

The American Dental Association estimates that 95 % of the American population suffers from a grinding or clenching problem at some point in their lives. Some people do so much damage over time that to restore their teeth back to normal function takes a significant amount of dentistry. The key is early diagnosis and treatment.

Many patients do not realize, or refuse to accept the fact that there is a problem. Many do not have symptoms. The dentist may mention wear and that usually ends the conversation. Or a person may have symptoms, such as a tooth that is sensitive to chewing. That can be fixed, but how often is the question of “why” is this happening come up? The masticatory system is a very adaptive and forgiving system. However, lack of symptoms does not mean there are no problems. Intervention can help prevent problems in the future.

Therefore, successful therapy starts with acceptance of the pathology present. In addition to behavior modification, nighttime bite splints can be very effective. They should be worn every night, not just when it “seems” like you have been grinding or clenching. There are many types of nightguards for different problems. Over-the-counter appliances are not recommended and can be dangerous to use. Some types of nighttime appliances can be extremely effective in treating people who suffer from headaches due to clenching.

Headaches are only one of the symptoms associated with clenching. Everything from sore muscles, sensitive teeth, worn teeth, broken teeth, and sore joints can be caused by clenching. Ask your dentist whether you have any of the signs associated with grinding or clenching. Treatment can be easy, relatively inexpensive, and save you from potential future problems.

Dr. St. Clair maintains a private dental practice in Rowley and Newburyport dedicated to health-centered family dentistry. If there are certain topics you would like to see written about or questions you have please email them to him at