The number of people that grind their teeth has risen considerably since the recession hit, according to dentists.
Since the beginning of the economic turmoil, an increasing number of patients have been visiting their dentists with a number of oral conditions relating to the action of grinding their teeth; symptoms of teeth grinding include persistent headaches, pain in the jaw and teeth and troubles with eating.
While teeth grinding may reflect orthodontic problems in some cases, it has also been linked to anxiety and stress; Sharif Khan, a cosmetic dental expert suggests that people with type A personalities are much more likely to grind their teeth than other people. Type A personalities are often high achievers with lots of ambition and an eye for detail; this is confirmed by the recent rise in patients with careers in the financial sector visiting their dentist with symptoms of teeth grinding.
According to some dentists, there has been a rise of between 10 and 20 percent in the number of employees in the financial industry paying a visit to the dentist with health conditions caused by grinding their teeth; the British Dental Foundation help line has also reported a significant rise in the number of calls from patients with symptoms that match those caused by teeth grinding.
Many people may be unaware that they grind their teeth as it is often a subconscious action that occurs at night; however, the symptoms associated with the movement of the teeth can usually be identified fairly easily by a dentist. Patients who are suffering from stress and anxiety and have symptoms such as aches and pains in the mouth, jaw and head are urged to see their dentists in order to get treatment.
The rise in cases of teeth grinding is being linked to the stress related to a lack of financial security and the possibility of unemployment brought about by the recession. Experts have recommended stress management techniques, such as relaxation therapy and counselling, as well as wearing a mouth guard at night to prevent damage to the teeth if the patient grinds their teeth. Mouth guards are similar to those worn in contact sports but are much thinner and lighter; they cost around £250.
