
Medications That May Cause Teeth Grinding
- Prescription Meds Antidepressants are the most common culprits of teeth grinding as far as prescription medications are concerned. ...
- Recreational Drugs Assessing the effects of recreational drugs can be especially tricky. ...
- Natural Substances There are some natural substances that you might not consider drugs that can trigger bruxism: caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco. ...
Which antidepressants cause teeth grinding?
Antidepressants like citalopram, escitalopram, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, paroxetine and sertraline are found to cause teeth grinding due to their effects in combating anxiety and depression. Serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs).
What medications can cause sudden bad dental problems?
- Anti-hypertensives (blood pressure medications)
- Immunosuppressive agents
- Oral contraceptives
- Particular chemotherapy medications
How to stop grinding teeth at night and during the day?
18 Tips On How To Stop Teeth Grinding During The Day & At Night Relieve Stress. Avoid Caffeine. Vitamin C. Warm Compress. Massage With Essential Oils. Turmeric Milk. Valerian. Deep Breathing. Jaw Exercises. Physical Exercises. More items...
How to stop clenching or grinding your teeth?
Ways To Stop Teeth Clenching
- Wear a mouthguard. Mouthguards may not be able to stop you completely from grinding your teeth but they will protect your dental health from the damages that clenching might cause.
- Address dental issues. ...
- Avoid frequent intake of alcohol and caffeine. ...
- Consider dental procedures. ...
- Biofeedback. ...
- Botox. ...
- Jaw and tongue exercises. ...
- Massage treatments. ...
- Manage stress. ...

Why have I suddenly started grinding my teeth?
Causes of teeth grinding It's often linked to: stress and anxiety – this is the most common cause of teeth grinding. sleep problems like snoring and sleep apnoea. taking certain medicines, including a type of antidepressant known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
What deficiency causes teeth grinding?
Both calcium and magnesium deficiencies have been linked to bruxism, so eating right may be your best defense against it. If necessary, you can also take supplements to provide the vitamins you need. A healthy diet is important to help with bruxism, but it's also important for your overall health and well-being.
Which antidepressants cause teeth grinding?
Antidepressant-associated bruxism may occur in pediatric and adult patients, most commonly among female patients. Patients may develop symptoms with short-term and long-term antidepressant use. Fluoxetine, sertraline, and venlafaxine were the most commonly reported offending agents.
What neurological disorders cause teeth grinding?
Purpose of review: While traditionally encountered in ambulatory settings, bruxism occurs in patients with a variety of acute neurologic illnesses including encephalitis, intracerebral hemorrhage, traumatic brain injury, hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, and acute ischemic stroke.
What vitamin is good for teeth grinding?
Eat More Vitamins. Vitamin C may help lower your stress levels, Magnesium promotes a better night's sleep and B-Complex Vitamins can reduce stress and depression. Adding these vitamins to your diet can help overcome your bruxism.
What vitamin helps with bruxism?
Conclusions: Sleep bruxism was associated with vitamin D deficiency and low consumption of calcium and was also associated with increased scores of anxiety and depression. Further investigations should be performed to check if vitamin D and calcium supplementation could relieve sleep bruxism.
How do I stop grinding my teeth at night?
To prevent bruxism:Avoid cigarettes, drugs and alcohol, which can make sleep bruxism worse.Get regular dental checkups. A dentist can treat problems from teeth grinding as soon as possible, so you can avoid long-term damage.Treat other dental problems you may have, including misaligned or missing teeth.
What antidepressants dont cause teeth grinding?
Researchers have found Buspar to be highly effective for depression and for preventing bruxism as a side effect. Consider switching your Paxil or Zoloft to Buspar to avoid jaw clenching and bruxism.
Can anxiety meds help with teeth grinding?
In some cases anti-anxiety medications may be given temporarily to give the mouth and jaw muscles a chance to relax especially during sleeping hours. You don't have to suffer needlessly with bruxism. There is treatment and help. Discuss your treatment options with your dentist, doctor, or therapist.
Is grinding teeth neurological?
Bruxism consists of an involuntary, aimless, repetitive, steteotyped oral activity characterized by teeth clenching or grinding. The disorder is heterogeneous and distinguishes wakeful from sleep bruxism. Wakeful bruxism arises in a variety of psychological, neurological, and orodental conditions.
Can a brain tumor cause bruxism?
We report a case of awake bruxism caused by the development of cerebral glioblastoma, which was successfully treated by a noradrenergic and specific serotonergic antidepressant, mirtazapine.
Can teeth grinding be cured?
While there is no cure to completely stop teeth grinding, treatment can reduce its frequency4, decrease its impact, and relieve symptoms. In addition, home care tips can make it easier to cope with sleep bruxism.
Can magnesium deficiency cause teeth grinding?
Magnesium deficiency, for example, can result in anxiety, insomnia, irritability, hyperactivity, and restlessness. Stress and anxiety are among the most common causes for bruxism. This leads experts to believe that mineral deficiency may be part of the problem.
How does magnesium help teeth grinding?
Magnesium supplements can help relax the small, fast twitch muscles in your jaw and reduce grinding further.
Does calcium help teeth grinding?
Having a vitamin deficiency (such as of calcium or magnesium) may be linked with teeth grinding, so it's important to follow a well-balanced, nutritious diet and take a multivitamin supplement if needed.
How do I stop grinding my teeth in my sleep naturally?
Lifestyle and home remediesReduce stress. Listening to music, taking a warm bath or exercising can help you relax and may reduce your risk of developing bruxism.Avoid stimulating substances in the evening. ... Practice good sleep habits. ... Talk to your sleep partner. ... Schedule regular dental exams.
Symptoms of Teeth Grinding
When you grind your teeth together, you can exert up to 250 pounds of force on your teeth and jaw. 1 It’s no surprise that can lead to dental problems over time. In addition, grinding can interrupt your sleep, which can lead to insomnia and depression.
Types of Teeth Grinding
There are two types of teeth grinding. Awake bruxism affects people while they are conscious. It’s more common and can be easier to treat since people are more likely to be aware of the behavior.
Causes of Teeth Grinding
Healthcare providers and researchers are still trying to understand what causes teeth grinding. There appears to be a genetic link, meaning that you’re more likely to grind your teeth if your siblings or parents do. 3
How to Treat Teeth Grinding
If your teeth grinding is minor and doesn’t cause other symptoms, you don’t necessarily need treatment. 4 But once you start noticing symptoms, it’s time to talk to your healthcare provider or dentist about treatments for teeth grinding.
Complications and Risk Factors Associated With Teeth Grinding
Teeth grinding on its own isn’t serious. But it is associated with serious complications, including: 2
Are There Tests to Diagnose Teeth Grinding?
Oftentimes, your healthcare provider or dentist can diagnose teeth grinding based on your symptoms and an exam of your mouth. However, in some cases of sleep bruxism, they may want a sleep study or polysomnogram to better understand your teeth grinding and how it affects your sleep.
When to See a Healthcare Provider
If you are starting to notice more effects from teeth grinding, visit your healthcare provider or dentist. They will be able to talk to you about your habits and help you decide whether treatments like a mouthguard are right for you.
How many people have teeth grinding?
Among them, 48 people (0.13%) have Teeth Grinding And Clenching. Benzodiazepines are widely prescribed for a variety of conditions, particularly anxiety and insomnia. Four of them, alprazolam (Xanax), clonazepam (Klonopin), diazepam (Valium) and lorazepam (Ativan), are considered among the top 100 most commonly prescribed medications.
Why are short acting benzodiazepines preferred among addicts?
Abuse – Potential drugs of abuse, short-acting benzodiazepines seem to be preferred among addicts because of the rapidity of their onset of action.
What are the effects of benzodiazepines on the elderly?
Effects in Elderly – the risk of drug interactions, psychomotor slowing, cognitive dysfunction and paradoxical disinhibition may be amplified. Abuse – Potential drugs of abuse, short-acting benzodiazepines seem to be preferred among addicts because of the rapidity of their onset of action.
What are the effects of withdrawals from benzodiazepines?
Withdrawals – Effects from therapeutic dosages of benzodiazepines are mainly anxiety symptoms. In addition, autonomic instability (i.e., increased heart rate and blood pressure level, tremulousness, diaphoresis), insomnia and sensory hypersensitivity are common. The most serious acute withdrawal symptoms are seizures and delirium tremens, which most commonly occur with abrupt discontinuation.
What are some alternatives to benzodiazepines?
Alternatives to benzodiazepines may be preferable and may include antidepressants, anticonvulsants, buspirone, antihypertensive agents and the newer neuroleptic medications. Caution must be used when prescribing benzodiazepines to patients with a current or remote history of substance abuse.
Why do people take benzodiazepines?
Benzodiazepines are also widely prescribed for other reasons, such as muscle spasticity, convulsive disorders, presurgical sedation, involuntary movement disorders, detoxification from alcohol and other substances, and anxiety associated with cardiovascular or gastrointestinal conditions.
Is bruxism iatrogenic?
There have been several reported incidents of iatrogenic bruxism ( involuntary clenching or grinding of the teeth). Diurnal bruxism ( Micheli et al, 1993) has been associated with dopaminergic blockade, and nocturnal bruxism.
How to stop grinding teeth?
Based on the patient's specific symptoms and stressors, physicians may take the following approaches: 1 Medication: Muscle relaxers can help relax the jaw and stop nighttime grinding. If you take certain antidepressants that put you at risk for teeth grinding, a doctor might switch your prescription to one that doesn't. A doctor might also start you on antidepressants (that don't come with the risk of bruxism) if the medication could help you cope with stressors that cause you to grind your teeth. 2 Procedures: Botox injections paralyze the jaw muscles that are used during teeth grinding. Dr. Omrani says the treatment, though not approved by the Food and Drug Administration or covered by insurance, has been used since the 1990s and is safe, very effective, and doesn't change the appearance of the face. 3 Behavioral strategies: Psychologists at the Pain Center work with patients to identify triggers and address them through stress management and relaxation training. Dr. Scott uses biofeedback to monitor muscle tension and to demonstrate the relaxing effects of calming techniques and stretches on the jaw, neck, and head.
Why the grinding?
The cause of bruxism is unique to each patient, and doctors at the Pain Center work to determine whether physical, psychological, or genetic factors are at play, Dr. Omrani says.
How many people have jaw clenching?
This teeth-grinding and jaw-clenching habit is a common condition that affects up to one-third of adults in the daytime and more than 1 in 10 in their sleep.
Can you take antidepressants for teeth grinding?
If you take certain antidepressants that put you at risk for teeth grinding, a doctor might switch your prescription to one that doesn't. A doctor might also start you on antidepressants (that don't come with the risk of bruxism) if the medication could help you cope with stressors that cause you to grind your teeth.
Can bruxism cause headaches?
Bruxism can cause pain, tooth fracture, headache, and temporomandibular disorders (TMJ Syndrome): muscle problems of the jaw and joints that can inhibit chewing, cause a "clicking" noise, and restrict range of motion.
Does bruxism affect type A?
Dr. Scott says bruxism very often affects "type A" people, who tend to be more high-strung. Rather than attempting to completely reinvent oneself, though, he asks patients to separate the habit of teeth-grinding from the stresses that cause it.
Does Botox help teeth grinding?
Procedures: Botox injections paralyze the jaw muscles that are used during teeth grinding. Dr. Omrani says the treatment, though not approved by the Food and Drug Administration or covered by insurance, has been used since the 1990s and is safe, very effective, and doesn't change the appearance of the face.
What to do if your child is grinding his teeth?
If you notice that your child is grinding his or her teeth — or has other signs or symptoms of bruxism — be sure to mention it at your child's next dental appointment.
What causes bruxism in adults?
These factors increase your risk of bruxism: 1 Stress. Increased anxiety or stress can lead to teeth grinding. So can anger and frustration. 2 Age. Bruxism is common in young children, but it usually goes away by adulthood. 3 Personality type. Having a personality type that's aggressive, competitive or hyperactive can increase your risk of bruxism. 4 Medications and other substances. Bruxism may be an uncommon side effect of some psychiatric medications, such as certain antidepressants. Smoking tobacco, drinking caffeinated beverages or alcohol, or using recreational drugs may increase the risk of bruxism. 5 Family members with bruxism. Sleep bruxism tends to occur in families. If you have bruxism, other members of your family also may have bruxism or a history of it. 6 Other disorders. Bruxism can be associated with some mental health and medical disorders, such as Parkinson's disease, dementia, gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD), epilepsy, night terrors, sleep-related disorders such as sleep apnea, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
What is it called when you clench your teeth?
Sleep bruxism is considered a sleep-related movement disorder. People who clench or grind their teeth (brux) during sleep are more likely to have other sleep disorders, such as snoring and pauses in breathing (sleep apnea).
What does it mean when you gnash your teeth?
Bruxism (BRUK-siz-um) is a condition in which you grind, gnash or clench your teeth. If you have bruxism, you may unconsciously clench your teeth when you're awake (awake bruxism ) or clench or grind them during sleep (sleep bruxism).
Can bruxism occur in family?
Family members with bruxism. Sleep bruxism tends to occur in families. If you have bruxism, other members of your family also may have bruxism or a history of it.
Can a personality type cause bruxism?
Having a personality type that's aggressive, competitive or hyperactive can increase your risk of bruxism. Medications and other substances. Bruxism may be an uncommon side effect of some psychiatric medications, such as certain antidepressants.
Can bruxism cause serious complications?
In most cases, bruxism doesn't cause serious complications. But severe bruxism may lead to:
What is Bruxism?
Bruxism is a condition characterized by the grinding or clenching of teeth. It can occur while a person is awake ( awake bruxism) or asleep ( sleep bruxism ).
Treatment Options for Bruxism
Bruxism, or teeth grinding, is a common side effect of stimulant or MDMA use. The constant clenching and grinding can damage the teeth and cause gum inflammation. In severe cases, it can even result in tooth loss.
Treatment for Drug Abuse
If you are experiencing teeth grinding due to stimulant or MDMA use, it is important to seek treatment. Teeth grinding can be caused by many things and is often treatable. There are a variety of treatments available depending on the cause of your teeth grinding.
Why do people grind their teeth?
If you grind your teeth while awake or asleep, the action is the same, but the two versions of teeth-grinding are considered separate conditions. We don’t know exactly what causes bruxism, but we do know that awake and sleep bruxism are associated with different triggers.
What can I do to stop grinding my teeth?
If you have been grinding your teeth for a while, there are treatments that can help. Common treatments include:
When should I see a dentist or health professional?
If you know that you grind your teeth during the day or night, and you suffer from any of the complications described above, you should schedule an appointment with either your dentist or healthcare provider.
The bottom line
Left untreated, teeth grinding can cause facial pain, TMJ problems, and tooth damage. If you suspect that you may be grinding your teeth either when awake or asleep, your healthcare provider can help you find ways to minimize your symptoms and discomfort.
What does it mean when your teeth grind?
Chronic means constant, daily, or persistent. Chronic stress that can cause teeth grinding refers to daily stressors weighing down on you. Stress can come from work, school, home, etc. Stress is known to cause people to clench their jaw muscles and grind their teeth.
What causes teeth grinding and sleep apnea?
4. Tobacco and/or Alcohol Use. Tobacco use and excessive alcohol use are major risk factors for both teeth grinding and sleep apnea.
Why does my tongue stop breathing?
Sleep apnea may be caused by poor airway health — when your tongue is too big for your oral cavity, obstructing the upper airway and resulting in halted breathing during sleep.
How many children have teeth grinding?
As many as 50% of children may suffer from teeth grinding. This is a treatable epidemic that we don’t have to be content just to live with. Keep reading to learn about the 10 most common causes of bruxism, including in children. 1.
What causes bruxism when you are awake?
3. Anxiety/Depression. Anxiety and/or depression may be the cause of your bruxism, especially awake bruxism. In scientific studies, anxiety is sometimes grouped with stress, and sometimes grouped with depression. In truth, an anxiety disorder is its own classification.
Can antidepressants cause teeth grinding?
Yet, antidepressants like SSRIs and antipsychotic medications have been linked to increased risk of teeth grinding. Yes, you read that right, 2 of the types of medications that are supposed to treat bruxism can actually result in bruxism.
Does vitamin D help with bruxism?
Supplementing these nutrients may improve bruxism in certain cases. (Make sure you get enough vitamin D and vitamin K2 to properly absorb the calcium.)
What is the cause of teeth grinding?
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). Antidepressants like citalopram, escitalopram, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, paroxetine and sertraline are found to cause teeth grinding due to their effects in combating anxiety and depression. Serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs).
Is it normal to grind your teeth?
Most people probably grind and clench their teeth from time to time. Some may think that this is normal, but it is actually a medical (and dental) condition. Intermittent teeth grinding, called bruxism, does not usually cause harm, that is why some people disregard it as a childhood habit.
Can you get bruxism while sleeping?
Not all people know this, but bruxism does not just happen when we are sleeping. Bruxism is essentially a sleep related condition , but there are also people who unconsciously grind their teeth while they are awake. This condition also cause damage to the integrity of your teeth, some more than just having sleep bruxism because those who takes this habit while awake will do it while sleeping as well.
Can SNRIs cause bruxism?
Serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). Atomoxetine, venlafaxine, and duloxetine, if taken in combination with other SSRIs can cause bruxism as well. Atomoxetine, which is also an ADHD drug, is confirmed to cause involuntary movements and rigidness of the facial muscles called orofacial dystonia and dyskinesia.
What antidepressants are used for bruxism?
There are several types of antidepressants that have been associated with bruxism, including SSRIs, SNRIs, and lithium. SSRIs, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, include Paxil, Prozac, Zoloft, and others, including generic forms. These are the most commonly used antidepressants, and the ones most strongly associated with bruxism.
What is the cause of bruxism?
Dopamine Agents. Although drugs that impact serotonin levels are the most common causes of prescription bruxism, drugs that change dopamine levels can also lead to bruxism. Most dopamine agents cause awake bruxism. Dopamine agents that have been linked to bruxism include L-Dopa, used to treat Parkinson’s disease.
How to stop bruxism?
The key to stopping this type of bruxism is getting your brain chemistry back under control. Sometimes this is done just by changing the medication. Reducing the dose is sometimes effective. It can also be effective to switch to another medication, even another one of the same class. If changing your prescription doesn’t control your bruxism, you might be given another prescription, usually buspirone (BuSpar). This is generally effective.
Can bruxism be caused by a prescription?
Bruxism Related to Medications. Just as treatments for your dental health can impact your overall health, other medical treatments can have a profound effect on your oral health. For example, some prescriptions may lead to severe bruxism, clenching and grinding of teeth. This can happen either during the day or night, ...
Can bruxism cause jaw pain?
It can lead to damaged teeth, sore muscles, and a damaged jaw joint. Bru xism related to your prescription can cause temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ), or, if you already have it, it can cause it worsen dramatically.
Can methylphenidate cause bruxism?
Metoclopramide (Reglan), an acid reflux drug also used to help digestion and migraines, can also cause daytime bruxism. Finally, the ADHD drug methylphenidate (Ritalin) is sometimes linked with daytime bruxism.
Can you stop bruxism with buspirone?
This is generally effective. We cannot stop bruxism caused by your prescriptions , but we can help manage the condition and reduce damage using a bite splint.
