Bruxism - teeth grinding

[Mossdog]

On a recent visit to my new dentist for my annual check-up, he asked me if I ground my teeth at night. I was tempted to reply 'no', "I grind them during most waking hours of the day and who wouldn't after listening to the continued, crass, asininity of the news" - but I didn't, least he thought me a cantankerous old git. Clearly I'm not cantankerous.

He suggested that I could invest ($$$$) in some occlusal splints (also termed dental guards) and that these could help prevent wear. Not to push the pun but I certainly was 'wary', as my 'old' dentist never mentioned bruxism as an issue.

Seriously though, has anyone else experience of this condition? Is it a recent diagnostic fad amongst the dental world? Is it another geriatric condition I can add to the list I've already got to contend with?