Study shows recession causes people to grind teeth more - KCBD NewsChannel 11 Lubbock

4/2/10

Study shows an increase in teeth grinding during times of recession

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By Kristin Beerman | email

Edited by Jon Bush | email 

LUBBOCK, TX (KCBD) – For many people, tooth grinding has a genetic factor by having a mother or grandparent who did it. Now some dentists are suggesting another factor, the recession.

The Chicago Dental Society put two and two together after a survey there. Those dentists reported a 65% increase in teeth grinding among patients and 75% of patients complained of increased stress. So what happens long term if you grind your teeth maybe while you sleep?

"The jaw can start popping and clicking and you can have a lot of pain associated with grinding. Does that mean everybody who grinds their teeth have pain? No," said Alice Boghosian, D.D.S., a dentist.

The solution for many is to simply wear a mouth guard at night, but it's important to talk to a dentist about your options because if the grinding goes on for too long. You can end up with a lot of pain in the jaw, not to mention you could really damage your teeth.

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