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Artisan Dentistry's Blog

The Toll of Global Events on Bruxism and TMJ Disorders

Feb 12th, 2025

As a dental office specializing in neuromuscular dentistry here in Newburyport, MA, we understand the profound impact that stress can have on temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders and bruxism (teeth grinding and clenching). While stress has always been a major factor in these conditions, periods of particularly stressful global events, including economic downturns and political uncertainty, can exacerbate symptoms. For example, dentist noticed an increase of TMJ symptoms during Covid, likely a result of the stress the pandemic caused.

Stress and Its Impact on TMJ and Bruxism

Stress is a well-known trigger for bruxism and TMJ dysfunction. Whether it’s from work, family, or financial pressures, stress causes many people to subconsciously clench their jaw or grind their teeth, often during sleep. These habits place excessive strain on the jaw muscles and joints, leading to symptoms such as:

  • Jaw pain and stiffness
  • Headaches and migraines
  • Ear pain or ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
  • Clicking or popping sounds in the jaw
  • Difficulty chewing or opening the mouth fully

When major world events unfold—such as economic instability, political upheaval, or health crises—stress levels skyrocket, and so do TMJ-related issues.

The Link Between Economic and Political Stress and TMJ Disorders

Periods of economic downturn, inflation, job insecurity, and global political tensions create an underlying sense of stress that many people carry physically, often without realizing it. Patients can ahve TMJ symptoms flare up in response to prolonged financial strain or anxiety over global affairs.

For example, concerns over rising costs of living, stock market fluctuations, or political divisions can create subconscious tension in the body, leading to increased jaw clenching and teeth grinding. These prolonged habits contribute to muscle fatigue and joint dysfunction, exacerbating TMJ-related discomfort.

The Role of Neuromuscular Dentistry in Treating TMJ Disorders

Traditional TMJ treatments often focus on pain management, but neuromuscular dentistry takes a different approach. By analyzing the relationship between the jaw muscles, nerves, and joints, a dentist can identify the root cause of the dysfunction and create a customized treatment plan.

Some effective neuromuscular treatments include:

  • Custom Orthotics: Specialized bite splints designed to realign the jaw and reduce strain.
  • TENS Therapy: Low-frequency electrical stimulation to relax the jaw muscles and relieve tension.
  • Bite Adjustments: Correcting the bite to reduce strain on the TMJ.
  • Physical Therapy and Lifestyle Changes: Techniques such as stress management, posture correction, and targeted exercises to relieve jaw tension.

How to Protect Your Jaw During Stressful Times

While we can’t always control world events, we can take steps to protect our oral health during stressful periods:

  • Be mindful of jaw clenching: Try to keep your teeth slightly apart when at rest and relax your jaw muscles.
  • Wear a nightguard: If you grind your teeth at night, a custom nightguard can help prevent damage.
  • Practice stress management: Techniques like deep breathing, meditation, and exercise can help reduce overall tension.
  • Limit caffeine and alcohol: Both can contribute to increased grinding and muscle tension.
  • Maintain good posture: Poor posture, especially when working at a computer, can contribute to jaw tension.

As we continue to navigate uncertain economic and political landscapes, it’s crucial to be aware of how stress affects not just our mental health but our physical well-being, including our jaw health. If you live in or near Neburyport and are experiencing symptoms of bruxism or TMJ dysfunction, seeking treatment early can prevent long-term damage and improve your quality of life.

At our dental practice in Newburyport, we specialize in neuromuscular dentistry to help patients find lasting relief from TMJ-related issues. If you’re struggling with jaw pain or teeth grinding, we encourage you to schedule a TMJ consultation and take the first step toward a healthier, pain-free smile.

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Here at Paul Mathew, D.D.S. we work diligently to protect our patients' privacy. Requesting an appointment via our Internet portal is considered part of what the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) has identified as electronically protected healthcare information or ePHI. Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, there are people or entities that may attempt to intercept the data you transmit to us. By checking the "I agree" box, and electronically making an appointment request, you acknowledge that you are making an appointment over the internet and that Paul Mathew, D.D.S. will keep this information confidential but cannot guarantee that others, outside of our practice, may illegally intercept this communication. By accepting these terms and conditions and sending this request via our Internet portal, you accept the inherent risk(s) associated with making this request for an appointment. If you do not accept the terms and conditions, you are always welcome to contact our office via telephone to schedule your appointment.

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Here at Paul Mathew, D.D.S. we work diligently to protect our patients' privacy. Requesting an appointment via our Internet portal is considered part of what the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) has identified as electronically protected healthcare information or ePHI. Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, there are people or entities that may attempt to intercept the data you transmit to us. By checking the "I agree" box, and electronically making an appointment request, you acknowledge that you are making an appointment over the internet and that Paul Mathew, D.D.S. will keep this information confidential but cannot guarantee that others, outside of our practice, may illegally intercept this communication. By accepting these terms and conditions and sending this request via our Internet portal, you accept the inherent risk(s) associated with making this request for an appointment. If you do not accept the terms and conditions, you are always welcome to contact our office via telephone to schedule your appointment.

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The information presented here is not intended or implied to be medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It should be used for informational purposes only.