Across the nation, there has been an increase in cracked teeth over the last year. The culprit seems to be the stress that we have all experienced to some degree during the pandemic. When we are under stress, we tend to tighten our jaw muscles and clinch our teeth. This added force on our teeth causes microfracturing which eventually can cause a tooth to crack.
What can we do to prevent our teeth from cracking? Awareness is key! Are your teeth currently touching? Even as you read this article? If so, that’s a sure sign that you’re doing some damage — your teeth shouldn’t actually touch throughout the day at all unless you’re actively eating and chewing your food. Instead, your jaw should be relaxed, with a bit of space between the teeth when the lips are closed. Be mindful, and try to stop yourself from grinding when you catch yourself doing it. If you find you cannot relax enough to prevent yourself from clenching, you may need a mouthguard to protect your teeth from cracking.
If you have any questions or concerns about your teeth, do not hesitate to give us a call. We are here for you!