Dentists are reporting an uptick in the number of people grinding their teeth while they sleep, according to a New York Times article by Camille Sweeney (10/8/09). "I'm seeing a lot more people who are anxious, stressed out and very concerned about their financial futures and they're taking it out on their teeth," says Dr. Steven Butensky, a dentist in Manhattan. Dr. Robert Rawdin, who also practices in Manhattan, reports "20 to 25 percent more patients with teeth grinding symptoms in the last year."

The economy isn't totally to blame as "10 to 15 percent of adult Americans moderately to severely grind their teeth, according to Dr. Matthew Messina, an advisor to the American Dental Association. So, genetics, not just economics, are sometimes the reason for teeth grinding, a condition doctors call "bruxism." It's really not a dental condition so much as a central nervous system issue, but Dr. Gerald McCracken says "the stress center of the brain is directly next to the part of the brain that controls teeth grinding."

The thing is that most people don't realize they are grinding their teeth, even though some do so for "up to 40 minutes of every hour of sleep." Many don't find out about the grinding until a tooth breaks or they wake up with a headache or sore face. Some dentists prescribe a customized mouth guard, which can cost up to $1,000. Over-the-counter guards are also available (link), while acupuncture and botox injections into the jaw's masseter muscle are other options. Dr. McCracken says it also helps if you don't watch the news just before bedtime.