Stress leads to increase in teeth grinding

Thu, 04 Mar 2010

The increase of people grinding their teeth, or bruxism, is being blamed on recession linked job insecurity.

Patients need more treatment for teeth cracking or bits breaking off. Some are just beyond repair. Other symptoms of teeth grinding include headaches and severe oral pain. Some people have to take painkillers daily to get relief from their symptoms.

Sharif Khan, a cosmetic and implant dental specialist said, "People who are worst affected by grinding are Type A personalities: ambitious people and perfectionists, who usually work in business."

Financial sector workers in particular, fund managers, bankers and financial services workers are most affected. Yann Maidment, a dentist based in Central Edinburgh said he and his colleagues had seen an increase of 10-20 per cent in patients over the past 18 months.

He added that workers whose jobs require travelling are more likely to grind their teeth than others, "They have more stressors in their life."

More patients are being given bite guards, similar to those used by rugby players. Costing £250-£300 they are worn at night and work by covering the surface of the teeth to stop constant contact. The majority of people who grind their teeth do so for up to two hours per night.

Addressing the underlying cause of stress and tension can help combat the problem as well as corrective exercises, relaxation therapy and counselling .
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