Pandemic stress hasn’t just affected our mental health; it’s affected our dental health too. Canada’s Global News reports that doctors throughout North America are hearing more patients complain of pain that is the apparent result of clenching or grinding their teeth—stress-related habits that they might not be aware of, but that can cause tooth nerve damage or even fractures.

According to Edmonton dentist Elena Hernandez-Kucey, who is interviewed in the March 25 article, “We are seeing more joint problems, people arriving (in clinics) saying: ‘I’m not sleeping well, I’m waking up, my face hurts.” 

The article also notes a rise in mouth dryness, which can contribute to gum disease and inflammation. Some dentists have dubbed it “mask mouth” because it’s associated with mouth breathing—a subconscious habit for many mask wearers. Drinking more water, breathing through the nose, and practicing scrupulous oral hygiene can help counter the effects of mask mouth, experts say.

Information sourced by Jonathan Richter, DDS, FAGD, owner of Cariodontal, located at 310 E. Shore Rd., Ste. 101, Great Neck, NY. For information, call 516-282-0310 or visit Cariodontal.com. See ad, back cover.