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SAN FRANSISCO -- A new survey shows one-third of all Americans are losing sleep over the economy and the recession, and it's not just hitting their pockets. It's hitting their teeth.
With plunging stocks and mortgage meltdowns, the economy's not the only thing grinding itself to the bone.
"We've definitely seen an increase of patients coming in with broken teeth, complaining more of headaches and tension, tightness, around the face," said Dr. Mai-Ly Ramirez, DDS.
According to one dental group, the number of Americans visiting the dentist jumped by 30 percent in the last four months. It could be a lot of folks are worried about getting laid off, so they want to use their benefits before they lose them. But for others, the mental stress is really taking a toll on their teeth.
Bruxism, also known as teeth grinding, is on the rise. At first, James Colgan had no idea he had a problem. "It was my wife who told me that I was doing the clenching. I didn't believe her to start off with," he said.
Colgan has worked for a number of startups in the past nine years, and he got married a two years ago. "Then we had a baby girl, Emily, about 18 months ago, and I started a company about a year ago. So, it all seems to be all piling on," he said.
For help, Colgan turned to his dentist, Dr. Ramirez. She recommended a mouth guard.
"If he's banging and clenching and grinding, he's putting more damage on the night appliance and less on his teeth, so long term-wise, it's very good for the teeth," Ramirez said.
Besides keeping a loved one awake at night, teeth grinding can cause permanent tooth damage: fractures and breaks, an erosion of tooth enamel, a sore or painful jaw, headaches, earaches, insomnia and depression.
In the Bay Area, a mouth guard could cost up to $600, but that's much cheaper than repairing permanently damaged teeth. For Colgan, it was money well spent.
"It was strange for the first two or three nights, but now it's strange if it's not there," Colgan said.
In addition, dentists recommend a change in lifestyle, including cutting back on caffeine and finding a way to alleviate stress.
E-mail: drkim@ksl.com
