Based on anecdotal reports, pandemic-related stress has increased bruxism and clenching, resulting in an increase in tooth and restoration fractures. The purpose of this Quick Poll was to see if indeed during the recent COVID pandemic our practitioners saw an increase in bruxing/clenching. Between June 30th and July29th, 319 practitioners answered our poll.

Findings:

• The majority of the practitioners considered that bruxism complaints and tooth or restoration fractures increased since the start of the pandemic (77% and 73%).
• Fabrication of bruxism-related occlusal mouthguards and fracture-related crowns/restorations also increased as reported by the practitioners (63% and 65%).
• In addition to mirror and explorer (95%), practitioners most frequently use “Tooth Slooth”, bite stick or similar devices to diagnose tooth fractures (84%), followed by transillumination (64%), and dental loupes with 2-4x magnification (55%).