More people are griding their teeth.

Teeth grinding is becoming a bigger problem as a result of continuing financial problems and stress for patients, it has been claimed.

A survey carried out in the US by the Chicago Dental Society revealed 75 per cent of dentists reported the patients say their level of stress has increased in their lives since the onset of the economic downturn, with 65 per cent of dental health professionals reporting an increase in patients’ jaw clenching and teeth grinding.

The Dental Society noted severe teeth grinding can cause headaches, as well as creating sleep problems and resulting in inflamed gums.

Elsewhere, Cosmetic Dentistry Guide recently reported smokers have been warned that the habit could be damaging to their oral health.

New Jersey emergency dentistry professional Dr Sherzoy, who practices in Bergen County, claimed smoking can cause both tooth and bone loss in the jaw.

He warned the habit can cause bad breath, tooth discolouration and inflammation of saliva producing glands.

People grind their teeth when they least expect it.

People could be grinding their teeth without even knowing it and this could be causing them to have a range of problems including headaches, toothache or a sore jaw.

My Local Health reported bruxism – as the problem is technically known – happens more often than people realise, with many grinding their teeth during their sleep.

Figures from Advanced Dental Care showed a quarter of all people suffer from this condition, with things like stress and anxiety or problems sleeping being major developmental factors.

“Beyond causing discomfort, grinding can eventually damage dental restorations and possibly loosen teeth. It can also cause damage to the temporomandibular joints,” the article noted.

The temporomandibular joints are the ones which connect a person’s jaw to their skull.

Elsewhere, individuals who suffer from sensitive teeth might be pleased to learn that Colgate has launched a new toothpaste designed to tackle this problem.

Its new Sensitive Pro-Relief product contains an active ingredient designed to fill the pores in teeth that lead to nerve-endings, thereby making them less painful.