Google searches for bruxism, teeth grinding, and teeth clenching during the COVID-19 pandemic (2024)

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Google searches for bruxism, teeth grinding, and teeth clenching during the COVID-19 pandemic (1)

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J Orofac Orthop. 2022; 83(6): 1–6.

Published online 2021 Jun 29. doi:10.1007/s00056-021-00315-0

PMCID: PMC8239479

PMID: 34185102

Language: English | German

Elif KardeşGoogle searches for bruxism, teeth grinding, and teeth clenching during the COVID-19 pandemic (2)1 and Sinan Kardeş2

Author information Article notes Copyright and License information PMC Disclaimer

Abstract

Purpose

Whether coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has an impact on bruxism represents an important gap of knowledge. This study evaluated the trends in Google searches, as an indication of public interest and demand, for bruxism and its symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

Google Trends was queried for bruxism, teeth grinding, and teeth clenching both worldwide and in the United States. Two periods in 2020 (March15–May9 and May10–October17) were compared to similar periods of 2016–2019 to investigate both initial and short-term interest.

Results

The relative search volume of bruxism, teeth grinding, and teeth clenching was not significantly different between 2020 and 2016–2019 worldwide or in the United States in the March 15–May9 period. Only the search for teeth grinding showed an increase worldwide. In the May10–October17 period, the relative search volume of bruxism, teeth grinding, and teeth clenching all was significantly higher in 2020 compared to 2016–2019 both worldwide and in the United States.

Conclusion

The study showed that the relative search volume for bruxism, teeth grinding, and teeth clenching, as an indication of public interest and demand, was increased both worldwide and in the United States during the May–October 2020 period compared to similar periods of the previous 4years. Dentists should address this increased public interest and demand for information seeking for bruxism. Follow-up studies monitoring long-term interest as areal-time surveillance and evaluating whether increased internet searches are linked to an actual increase or worsening of bruxism and its symptoms in the clinic are required.

Keywords: Google Trends, Internet search engines, Psychological distress, Dentistry, Dentists

Abstract

Ziel

Ob die COVID(„coronavirus disease 2019“)-Pandemie einen Einfluss auf Bruxismus hat, stellt eine wesentliche Forschungslücke dar. In dieser Studie wurden die Trends in den Google-Suchanfragen, als Anhaltspunkt für öffentliches Interesse und die entsprechende Nachfrage, für Bruxismus und seine Symptome während der COVID-19-Pandemie ausgewertet.

Methoden

Google Trends wurde für Bruxismus, Zähneknirschen und Zähnepressen sowohl weltweit als auch in den USA abgefragt. Zwei Zeiträume im Jahr 2020 (15.03.–09.05. und 10.05.–17.10.) wurden mit ähnlichen Zeiträumen der Jahre 2016–2019 verglichen, um sowohl das initiale als auch das kurzfristige Interesse zu untersuchen.

Ergebnisse

Das relative Aufkommen der Suchanfragen zu Bruxismus, Zähneknirschen und Zähnepressen unterschied sich im Zeitraum vom 15.03.–09.05. weder weltweit noch in den USA statistisch signifikant zwischen 2020 und 2016-2019. Nur die Suche nach Zähneknirschen zeigte weltweit einen Anstieg. Im Untersuchungszeitraum 10.05.–17.10. war das relative Suchvolumen bezüglich Bruxismus, Zähneknirschen und Zähnepressen im Jahr 2020 im Vergleich zu 2016–2019 sowohl weltweit als auch in den USA signifikant höher.

Schlussfolgerung

Die Studie zeigte, dass das relative Suchvolumen für Bruxismus, Zähneknirschen und Zähnepressen als Hinweis auf öffentliches Interesse und Nachfrage sowohl weltweit als auch in den Vereinigten Staaten während des Zeitraums von Mai bis Oktober 2020 im Vergleich zu ähnlichen Zeiträumen der vorangegangenen 4 Jahre erhöht war. Zahnärzte sollten dieses erhöhte öffentliche Interesse und die Nachfrage nach Informationen über Bruxismus ansprechen. Folgestudien, die das langfristige Interesse im Sinne einer Echtzeitüberwachung beobachten und auswerten, ob die erhöhte Internetsuche mit einer tatsächlichen Zunahme oder einer Verstärkung von Bruxismus und seinen Symptomen in der Klinik verbunden ist, sind erforderlich.

Schlüsselwörter: Google Trends, Internetsuchmaschinen, Psychische Belastungen, Zahnmedizin, Zahnärzte

Introduction

The rapid spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic resulted in 38,202,956 confirmed cases and 1,087,069 deaths worldwide, as of October15, 2020 [1]. To control its widespread transmission, containment measures were implemented including strict quarantine and lockdown. These measures triggered an economic recession and financial crisis with an unprecedented rise in unemployment [2, 3]. The health crisis coupled with its negative social and economic consequences have led to aconsiderable increase in levels of psychological distress and sleep disorders as well as in alcohol consumption among the general population [48].

Google (Google LLC, Mountain View, CA, USA) searches data have been used to track public interest in abroad range of dental topics such as dental carries, molar incisor hypomineralization, and amber necklace [911]. Furthermore, in arecent infodemiological study the seasonality of Google searches of bruxism and its symptoms was evaluated [12]. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, Google searches data have been leveraged to evaluate public interest in COVID-19 terms [13, 14], mental health issues [15, 16], and insomnia [17]. All these studies demonstrate Google searches as being apowerful tool in monitoring public interest.

Although psychological distress, sleep disorders as well as high alcohol consumption are well-documented risk factors for bruxism [1822], whether COVID-19 pandemic has an impact on bruxism represents an important gap of knowledge. To address this major gap, the present study evaluated the trends in Google searches, as an indication of public interest and demand, for bruxism and its symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Materials and methods

The present study followed the recommendations of the recent article by Mavragani etal. addressing the methodological framework in using Google Trends in health research [23]. The Google Trends tool and data are explained in detail elsewhere [24, 25]. In brief, Google Trends, afreely accessible tool, provides information on trends of keywords that people search for on Google. It allows exploring variations both in individual countries and worldwide. Google Trends normalizes search data to the time period and region selected, and then transforms it to a0–100 scale for making comparisons easier. Greater values indicate greater relative search volume (RSV).

The Google Trends was queried for the three keywords: (1)bruxism, (2)teeth grinding, and (3)teeth clenching. Time period of search was set to January01, 2016, to October20, 2020, with aselection of all categories. This search strategy was performed worldwide and in the United States, the most affected country in terms of COVID-19cases and deaths. All RSV data were downloaded for exploring the trends.

Two periods in 2020 (March15–May9 and May10–October17) were compared to similar periods of the previous 4years (2016–2019) to investigate both initial and short-term interest. In addition, atime series chart was generated to visualize the trends for bruxism, teeth grinding, and teeth clenching in 2016–2019 and 2020. Weekly data were transformed to monthly data for the time series chart. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared apandemic just before mid-March; therefore, dates after March15, 2020 were chosen in comparisons. The first period (March15–May9) coincides with implemented quarantine measures just after the WHO declaration of apandemic; therefore, it provides the interest during the initial phase of the pandemic. The second period provides the interest during the pandemic period, which coincides with lightening/lifting the imposed quarantine measures. Ageneralized estimating equation with agamma distribution was utilized in the comparisons. Statistical analysis was performed in SPSS® v.21.0 (IBM, Armonk, NY, USA) and the time series chart was generated on Excel v.14.3.7 (Microsoft, Redmond, WA, USA) and data were presented as per standard recommendations [26].

Results

In the initial period, March15–May9, the relative search volume of bruxism and teeth clenching was not significantly different between 2020 and 2016–2019 worldwide or in the United States. In this period, the worldwide relative search volume of teeth grinding (change: 11.5%, p = 0.017) was significantly higher in 2020 than in 2016–2019; however, it was not significantly different in the United States (change: 5.2%, p = 0.304) (Table1).

Table 1

Relative search volume of bruxism, teeth grinding, and teeth clenching worldwide and in the United States

Relatives Aufkommen von Anfragen zu Bruxismus, Zähneknirschen und Zähnepressen weltweit und in den USA

March15–May9May10–October17
20202016–2019% ChangePvalue20202016–2019% ChangePvalue
Bruxism
Worldwide47.6 (44.4–51.1)45.0 (42.3–47.1)6.8 (−2.7–16.3)0.15252.2 (50.6–53.8)42.2 (40.9–43.6)23.6 (18.2–29.0)< 0.001
United States61.3 (57.1–65.8)63.2 (58.2–68.6)−3.0 (−13.5–7.5)0.58167.7 (64.5–71.0)61.6 (59.0–64.4)9.8 (2.7–17.0)0.005
Teeth grinding
Worldwide83.0 (76.7–89.8)74.4 (71.7–77.2)11.5 (1.9–21.2)0.01789.5 (86.9–92.2)71.7 (70.1–73.4)24.9 (20.2–29.5)< 0.001
United States68.9 (63.3–75.0)65.5 (62.7–68.3)5.2 (−4.8–15.2)0.30473.7 (71.4–76.1)63.0 (61.4–64.5)17.2 (12.4–21.9)< 0.001
Teeth clenching
Worldwide64.6 (58.3–71.7)61.0 (56.6–65.7)6.0 (−7.5–19.5)0.37671.2 (65.5–77.4)58.1 (55.3–61.1)22.5 (10.7–34.4)< 0.001
United States62.9 (58.6–67.5)61.9 (57.9–66.2)1.6 (−8.3–11.5)0.74870.7 (66.0–75.6)62.2 (59.9–64.5)13.6 (4.9–22.4)0.002

Open in a separate window

Relative search volume values are presented as amean (95% confidence interval) (generalized estimating equations)

In the May10–October17 period, the relative search volume of bruxism (worldwide, change: 23.6%, p < 0.001; United States, change: 9.8%, p = 0.005), teeth grinding (worldwide, change: 24.9%, p < 0.001; United States, change: 17.2%, p < 0.001), and teeth clenching (worldwide, change: 22.5%, p < 0.001; United States, change: 13.6%, p = 0.002) was significantly higher in 2020 than in 2016–2019 (Table1).

Fig.1 shows that the relative search volume of bruxism, teeth grinding, and teeth clenching was numerically similar in 2020 and in 2016–2019 in March; then it was numerically higher in all the other months (April through October) in 2020 compared to the mean of 2016–2019 both worldwide and in the United States.

Open in a separate window

Fig. 1

Relative search volume of (a)bruxism worldwide, (b)bruxism in the United States, (c)teeth grinding worldwide, (d)teeth grinding in the United States, (e)teeth clenching worldwide, (f)teeth clenching in the United States. The data of October was based on partial data of October

Relatives Volumen von Suchanfragen für (a)Bruxismus weltweit, (b)Bruxismus in den USA, (c)Zähneknirschen weltweit, (d)Zähneknirschen in den USA, (e)Zähneknirschen weltweit, (f)Zähneknirschen in den USA. Die Daten vom Oktober basierten auf Teildaten vom Oktober

Discussion

The study found that the relative search volume of bruxism, teeth grinding, and teeth clenching was not significantly different between 2020 and 2016–2019 worldwide or in the United States in the initial period, March15–May9. Only the search for teeth grinding showed an increase worldwide. However, after the initial period, the relative search volume of bruxism, teeth grinding, and teeth clenching increased and was significantly higher in 2020 compared to 2016–2019 both worldwide and in the United States.

In the initial period, relative search volume of bruxism and teeth clenching was not different between 2020 and 2016–2019 worldwide. In addition, the relative search volume of bruxism, teeth grinding and teeth clenching was not different between 2020 and 2016–2019 in the United States. Previous studies using Google Trends showed that in this initial period the relative search volume of COVID-19 terms (e.g., coronavirus), COVID-19 symptoms (e.g., cough, diarrhea, and loss of smell) and some mental health issues (e.g., anxiety) increased but the relative search volume of general health issues (e.g., dermatologic conditions and rheumatic diseases) decreased [1316, 2734]. We believe that our finding (no difference) in the initial period is important considering the previous studies’ results that showed asignificant decrease in general health issues reflecting ashift of public interest from general health issues to COVID-19 [3234]. Therefore, our finding indicates that the public remarkably searched for bruxism and its symptoms in the initial pandemic period. After the initial period, relative search volume of bruxism, teeth grinding and teeth clenching all were significantly increased compared to similar periods of the previous 4years. This finding may indicate that the COVID-19 pandemic had anegative impact on bruxism and its symptoms. Several factors might have contributed to this observed increase. COVID-19-related deaths, strict quarantine/lockdown measures, and economic recession/financial crisis/rise in unemployment have led to considerable increases in the levels of psychological distress in the general public [4, 6]. Furthermore, alcohol consumption has increased during the pandemic [8]. Since psychological distress as well as high alcohol consumption are well-documented risk factors for bruxism [1822], the increase in intensity of these risk factors might have led to or worsen existing bruxism. Although the present findings require verification with clinical studies, healthcare providers should address the increased public interest and demand for information regarding bruxism.

Previous studies evaluated the trends in Google searches for mental health issues and insomnia [1517]. ho*rger etal. compared mental health-related Google searches in the United States during the initial pandemic period (first 40days following March11,2020) with the prepandemic period [15]. They found significant increases in searches related to worry, panic, and anxiety; however, no significant changes were detected in searches related to depression, loneliness, or suicide in the initial pandemic period compared with the prepandemic period [15]. They suggested continued surveillance of Google searches for these terms because changes in these terms may occur later [15]. Ayers etal. evaluated the search terms for anxiety or panic in combination with attack in the United States. They found that acute anxiety searches were higher than expected for the initial pandemic period (first 58days following March13, 2020) [16]. In astudy examining Google searches for insomnia worldwide and in the United States, Zitting etal. showed adecrease in searches for insomnia in March and then alarge increase in April and May 2020 [17]. The present study provides insights into the potential impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on bruxism and its symptoms.

Two previous cross-sectional studies using online surveys to investigate the population’s self-reported bruxism symptoms and their worsening during the COVID-19 pandemic are available in the literature [35, 36]. In the study by Emodi-Perlman etal., atotal of 700participants from Israel and 1092participants from Poland fully completed the survey [35]. They found that 40 and 32% of Israeli and 68 and 50% of Polish participants reported possible/probable awake bruxism and possible/probable sleep bruxism, respectively [35]. They also showed that 16 and 13% of Israeli and 34 and 28% of Polish participants reported awake bruxism aggravation and sleep bruxism aggravation, respectively [35]. In the other cross-sectional study by Javaid etal., 1021participants from around the world completed the survey [36]. They found that 13% of participants reported bruxism symptoms during the pandemic [36]. Furthermore, in an overview article, Hassan and Khier hypothesized that awake bruxism might be triggered/worsened during the pandemic due to increased/accumulated stress [37]. The design of the present study differs from the previously published two survey studies and our results indicate increased internet searches for bruxism and its symptoms during the pandemic.

Limitations

There were limitations with the present study. First, we only analyzed Google engine searches. However, since approximately 90% of all internet searches conducted on it [38], Google searches may be representative for all internet searches. Second, Google Trends does not allow analyzing in various subpopulations (e.g., male/female). Therefore, the results are only applicable for whole population. Third, internet use may be lower in some subpopulations (e.g., illiterate, older adults); hence, these subpopulations might be excluded or underrepresented. Fourth, our search strategy was by no means exhaustive—rather, focused only on internet searches for bruxism and its symptoms (i.e., teeth grinding and teeth clenching). Adding some other keywords such as headache, toothache, neck pain, and jaw pain into our search strategy would have managed to allow abetter interpretation of the study results. Fifth, we have no information on the motivation or intention of internet searches for bruxism, teeth grinding and teeth clenching. It is possible that an increased number of popular scientific health-related publications on bruxism may lead to arise in its internet searches or increased interest in seeking head and neck pain-related information might contribute to searches for bruxism. Considering these possible factors/reasons behind the observed increase in internet searches, it is not possible to attribute all the changes only to the pandemic. Furthermore, the study provided no evidence of whether the COVID-19 pandemic has caused an increasing demand for dental treatment. Sixth, the global results of the study should be interpreted with caution and by bearing in mind the facts that the seasons are reversed between northern and southern hemispheres and previous studies showed seasonality in internet searches of several health topics including bruxism [12]. Seventh, we were able to investigate only initial and short-term interest. Afollow-up study is needed to monitor long-term interest as areal-time surveillance. Lastly, whether the present findings are associated with actual increase or worsening in bruxism and its symptoms deserves future evaluation.

Conclusion

The present study showed that the relative search volume for bruxism, teeth grinding, and teeth clenching, as an indication of public interest and demand, was increased both worldwide and in the United States during the May–October 2020 period compared to similar periods of the previous 4years. Dentists should address this increased public interest and demand for information seeking for bruxism. Follow-up studies monitoring long-term interest as areal-time surveillance and evaluating whether increased internet searches are linked to an actual increase or worsening of bruxism and its symptoms in the clinic are required.

Conflict of interest

E.Kardeş and S.Kardeş declare that they have no competing interests.

Footnotes

Publisher’s Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Contributor Information

Elif Kardeş, Email: moc.liamg@sedrakfile.

Sinan Kardeş, Email: rt.ude.lubnatsi@sedrak.nanis.

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Articles from Journal of Orofacial Orthopedics are provided here courtesy of Nature Publishing Group

Google searches for bruxism, teeth grinding, and teeth clenching during the COVID-19 pandemic (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between clenching and bruxism? ›

Grinding or bruxism involves moving the jaw with the teeth held together. This results in substantial visible wear and flattening of the teeth which is usually obvious both to dentist and patient. Clenching is simply holding the teeth together and tightening the jaw muscles.

How do I stop grinding and clenching my teeth? ›

Lifestyle and home remedies
  1. Reduce stress. Listening to music, taking a warm bath or exercising can help you relax and may reduce your risk of developing bruxism.
  2. Avoid stimulating substances in the evening. ...
  3. Practice good sleep habits. ...
  4. Talk to your sleep partner. ...
  5. Schedule regular dental exams.
Aug 10, 2017

What disease causes teeth clenching? ›

Bruxism (BRUK-siz-um) is a condition in which you grind, gnash or clench your teeth. If you have bruxism, you may unconsciously clench your teeth when you're awake (awake bruxism) or clench or grind them during sleep (sleep bruxism). Sleep bruxism is considered a sleep-related movement disorder.

Why am I clenching and grinding my teeth? ›

Bruxism is when you clench, grind or gnash your teeth. It usually happens subconsciously, either during waking hours or when you're asleep. Causes include stress, anxiety, sleep disorders and certain medications. Most people who grind their teeth can ease symptoms with a custom mouth guard.

What are three common causes of bruxism? ›

Causes
  • Psychosocial factors: Stress, mood, distress, nervousness, and “feeling blue.”
  • A person's genes.
  • Consuming alcohol or caffeine.
  • Smoking.
  • Medications: Certain medicines used to treat depression, seizures, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may increase the chances of having bruxism.

What can be mistaken for bruxism? ›

Patients often confuse TMJ and bruxism, or teeth grinding, with each other.

What vitamin deficiency causes teeth clenching? ›

After analyzing the data, the authors found an association between deficient levels of vitamin D and the severity of bruxism. More individuals reporting moderate and severe bruxism were deficient in vitamin D concentrations than those experiencing no symptoms or other levels of tooth clenching or grinding, they wrote.

Can teeth clenching be cured? ›

In most cases, bruxism can be successfully treated. Treatment may involve: Behavior changes. You may be taught how to rest your tongue, teeth, and lips properly.

Is teeth clenching neurological? ›

As both a neuromuscular and dental disorder, bruxism crosses specialty lines. Physicians (including neurologists) are not typically trained in evaluation of TMD related issues and many dentists lack specialized training (with the exception of treating malocclusion and preventing tooth damage).

What does a bruxism headache feel like? ›

What kind of headache does bruxism cause? Tension headaches often result from bruxism and can continue for hours or even days. Tension headaches feel like a steady, dull aching or pressure on both sides of the head.

Is teeth clenching serious? ›

It could be a sign that you're grinding or clenching your teeth at night. Over time, this can damage your teeth and lead to jaw problems. It can cause teeth to crack, loosen, and even fall out. Teeth grinding and clenching—also called bruxism—can cause serious issues if left untreated.

Should teeth touch when clenching? ›

You must learn to stop contracting your jaw muscles uselessly; it's that simple! And here's a technique that works. The teeth should not touch ever – except when swallowing. This comes as a big surprise to most people.

Is clenching worse than grinding? ›

While both clenching and grinding the teeth describe a dental condition known as bruxism, one activity is not worse than the other. Each activity can do its fair share of damage. Therefore, clenching and grinding can cause legal amounts of damage and problems.

How can you tell if someone is clenching their teeth? ›

Signs You May Clench or Grind Your Teeth
  1. Chipped or cracked teeth.
  2. Headaches.
  3. Facial pain.
  4. Tense jaw muscles and jaw pain.
  5. Popping or clicking sounds in your jaw.
Jan 5, 2023

What is jaw clenching a symptom of? ›

Oral health specialists often point to too much stress and certain personality types as causes of bruxism. Bruxism often affects people with nervous tension, such as anger, pain, or frustration. It also affects people with aggressive, hurried, or overly competitive tendencies.

Can you clench your jaw without your teeth touching? ›

Muscle overuse can also occur without teeth contact, such as repetitive biting onto your tongue, lips, cheeks or foreign object (e.g. a pen). Ongoing muscle tightening/bracing without teeth contact can also occur with tension/stress.

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