COVID-19 pandemic and the psyche, bruxism, temporomandibular disorders triangle

Objective To investigate the effect of the Coronavirus pandemic on the report of psychological status, bruxism, and TMD symptoms. Methods An online survey was drafted to report the presence of psychological status, bruxism activities, and reported symptoms of TMDs perceived during the COVID-19 pandemic in a population of 506 individuals. Results Mental health is not positive during the Coronavirus pandemic: almost half the subjects reported an increase in bruxism behaviors, while up to one-third reported an increase in their symptoms involving the TMJ and jaw muscles. Specifically, 36% and 32.2% of participants reported increased pain in the TMJ and facial muscles, respectively, and almost 50% of the subjects also reported more frequent migraines and/or headaches. Conclusion Increased psychosocial distress during the COVID-19 pandemic can increase the frequency of TMD symptoms and bruxism behaviors, which, in turn, constitute a triangle of mutually interacting factors with the psychological and emotional status.

Automated summary

The mental health is negatively affected during the Coronavirus pandemic, with an increase in bruxism behaviors and symptoms related to TMDs reported in a significant portion of the population. The increased psychosocial distress during the pandemic may lead to an increase in the frequency of TMD symptoms and bruxism, creating a triangle of interacting factors with psychological and emotional status.