With economic pressures one the rise, dentists are also seeing an increase in the number of teeth grinders. People who are anxious and very concerned about their financial futures sometimes take it out on their teeth.

With or without economic hardship, 10 to 15 percent of adult Americans moderately to severely grind their teeth. Because it is a subconscious muscle activity, most grinders grind without realizing it, until a symptom such as a fragmented tooth or facial soreness occurs.

Normally, people exert about 20 to 30 pounds per square inch on their back molars when they chew. Teeth grinders, especially at night without restraint, can exert up to as much as 200 pounds per square inch on their teeth. The relentless wear and tear can quickly erode enamel, fracture teeth, affect bite and damage the temporomandibular joint at the hinge of the jaw. Jaw and face pain, as well as earaches and headaches, may also occur.