Awake Bruxism Intensified During COVID-19 Pandemic by Cumulative Stress – An Overview (original) (raw)

COVID-19 pandemic may produce prolonged and unaccustomed emotional stress which appears to accumulate during such difficult times. The cumulative stress may have a profound impact on a wide range of health outcomes, including oral health. Persons under such intensified stress are more likely to clench their jaws or grind their teeth during wakefulness, that is, awake bruxism. Identification of such bruxism can present a challenge for dental professionals and it often goes unnoticed until harmful orofacial effects occur. Lack of knowledge of such bruxism among dental professionals may result in oral complications such as damage to teeth, facial or jaw muscle pain, and teeth sensitivity. The aim of this overview is to highlight the awake bruxism which could be developed/intensified during COVID-19 pandemic by excessive stress and to present the several aspects related to this dental condition.