Dentists have reported an increase in stress-related conditions among patients, according to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Sixty-nine percent of dentists reported seeing an increase in bruxism, while 63 percent reported seeing an increase in chipped or cracked teeth, according to a poll conducted by the American Dental Association.
"I can honestly say I have seen the greatest number of cracked teeth that I have seen in my practicing career over these past two years," Rana Stino, DDS, dentist and partner at Water Tower Dental Care, told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Dr. Stino says the pandemic elevated stress levels, causing psychosocial habits such as grinding and clenching teeth.