The recession has affected most of us in one way or another, but according to dentists it’s taking a serious toll on Irish people’s teeth.
Irish dentists say they have seen a dramatic increase in cases of dental damage caused by teeth-grinding, according to Irish Health. Are you surprised? With wages being slashed and jobs as rare as gold nuggets, you would be forgiven for taking your stress out on old chomper and the gang.
A leading author on bruxism, which is actually the medical term for teeth grinding, said that mounting stress and anxiety are believed to be the major factors behind this latest dental phenomenon.
Speaking to Irish Health, Dr Padraig MacAuliffe said that estimates suggest that grinding affects up to 20% of the Irish population, however he believes the real incidence could be higher.
And don’t think you’re in the clear because you’re not grinding your teeth right now. According to Dr MacAuliffe, up to 1,000,000 people in Ireland grind their teeth and many of them do it in their sleep.
If you’re worried that you might be grinding your teeth in the middle of your slumber, then check for the following when you wake up: tenderness or stiffness of the jaw in the morning, headaches, and wear or damage to the teeth.
The best way to avoid teeth grinding is to get into a better sleep pattern, wear a mouth guard in bed and to ultimately distress yourself.
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