Clenching Teeth Due to Earthquake Stress

The biggest effect of the earthquake is stress and the resulting clenching of teeth. Our country is going through a very difficult process and this process has created many emotions in us. We have lost many citizens and in the meantime, many of our citizens are grieving the loss of their homes and jobs and are trying to build a new life.

Everyone has mobilized from everywhere, united in their hearts, trying to heal the wounds. It is a very difficult period. Covid and its effects had already shaken us both economically and psychologically, now the earthquake. Moreover, there is a possibility of a second earthquake, that is, Istanbul or another city experiencing such a disaster.

In other words, everyone is in an earthquake. Of course, these wounds will heal and of course these days will pass, but the stress experienced and the effects of this stress cause TEETH CLEANING and TEETH GRINDING.

The habit of grinding teeth is very harmful for our existing teeth. But it also negatively affects the fillings, crowns and implant treatments in our mouth.

For example, in a tooth supported by a large surface filling, the sharp areas of the tooth must be protected from hard objects. These sharp areas can easily break under pressure. Especially in teeth with root canal treatment, since the inside of the tooth will be empty, these sharp areas can break as a result of trauma. This fracture progresses towards the root of the tooth and causes the tooth to be extracted.

For this reason, teeth clenching and grinding during the night in mouths where the outer tissue is reduced and the teeth become brittle can cause tooth loss. If there is an existing coating on the tooth, especially porcelain coatings can break as a result of chronic grinding. Implants, on the other hand, can become loose and shake due to their two-piece structure.

The hard structures of implants transmit the pressure directly to the bone, causing the surrounding bone to melt. Stress does not only cause teeth clenching. An increase in mouth sores also causes a decrease in the body's immune system. This negatively affects wound healing. Vitamin use can increase body resistance.

It is necessary to use stress coping methods during this period. Our pain and mourning are great. Our fear, anxiety and worry coefficient has increased a lot. But we need to make an effort for both the future of our country and the healing of the wounds of the wounded regions.

Oral and dental health is very important for our whole body health. Therefore, if you have a habit of grinding and clenching your teeth, we can deepen our sleep by doing exercises that will relax our muscles, massage with a hot towel, and herbal teas such as chamomile tea, especially before going to sleep. Face yoga is very beneficial. People who grind their teeth very intensely should definitely wear a night plate. Your dentist can do this after taking measurements to produce it for you. If you already have a plate, you can wear it by checking its fit.

We must always protect and carry the hope that better days will come. LET'S SMILE AT LIFE for our country and our future.