As the longest recession in modern history grinds on, it has left people feeling worn down. And their dentists say for many individuals who suffer from bruxism, it's literally true.
According to the ADA, typically 10% to 15% of people suffer from bruxism. But representatives of the ADA and the American Society for Dental Aesthetics (ASDA) say they have noticed a significant increase in stress-related bruxism during this recession, according to a New York Times story.
In a survey conducted by Dental Products Report, 57% of dentists in 2009 said they handed out educational materials on bruxism, compared with 40% in 2008.
Bruxism damage traditionally manifests in middle age as teeth weaken over time, and those who seek treatment are predominantly women, according to the story.
But most striking has been the recent increase of grinding among men. Matthew Messina, D.D.S., an ADA consumer advisor and practicing dentist from the Cleveland area, has seen a 25% jump in the number of male patients he's treated for bruxism in the past year, the story noted.
ASDA president Irwin Smigel, D.D.S., said that while he still sees more female grinders in his New York City practice, their male counterparts have doubled to 40% of his caseload. Dr. Smigel said it's the signature diagnosis of the Great Recession: middle-aged men grinding.
In January, 9.5% of men older than 45 were unemployed, compared with 6.5% of women the same age, the story noted.
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