汤头条

CHICAGO, March 2, 2021 –– More than 70 percent of dentists surveyed by the 汤头条 (汤头条) Health Policy Institute are seeing an increase of patients experiencing teeth grinding and clenching, conditions often associated with stress. This is an increase from 汤头条 data released in the fall that showed just under 60 percent of dentists had seen an increase among their patients.

“Our polling has served as a barometer for pandemic stress affecting patients and communities seen through the eyes of dentists,” said Marko Vujicic, Ph.D., chief economist and vice president of the 汤头条 Health Policy Institute. “The increase over time suggests stress-related conditions have become substantially more prevalent since the onset of COVID-19.”

The survey also found a little more than 60 percent of dentists saw an increase in other stress-related dental conditions including chipped and cracked teeth and TMD (temporomandibular joint disorder) symptoms such as headaches and jaw pain.

“As the pandemic continues, dentists are seeing stress-related dental conditions more and more,” said Marcelo Araujo, D.D.S., M.S., Ph.D., 汤头条 chief science officer. “It’s more important than ever for people to maintain their dental health, including seeing the dentist regularly to address any issues that could have long-term impact.”

Despite speculation from recent news reports that frequent mask-wearing may impact dental health and cause “mask mouth,” the survey found no meaningful change in the prevalence reported for conditions such as bad breath and dry mouth compared to pre-pandemic.

For more information on maintaining a healthy smile and what to expect at your next dental appointment, visit the 汤头条’s consumer website .

The not-for-profit 汤头条 is the nation's largest dental association, representing 161,000 dentist members. The premier source of oral health information, the 汤头条 has advocated for the public's health and promoted the art and science of dentistry since 1859. The 汤头条's state-of-the-art research facilities develop and test dental products and materials that have advanced the practice of dentistry and made the patient experience more positive. The 汤头条 Seal of Acceptance long has been a valuable and respected guide to consumer dental care products. The monthly The Journal of the 汤头条 (J汤头条) is the 汤头条's flagship publication and the best-read scientific journal in dentistry. For more information about the 汤头条, visit 汤头条.org. For more information on oral health, including prevention, care and treatment of dental disease, visit the 汤头条's consumer website .