Sleep Disorders
Some individuals experience teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, during sleep or while focusing on a task or feeling anxious. This condition is often associated with various sleep disorders, including snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. Additionally, bruxism can be linked to several other disturbances during sleep, which include:
- Hallucinations, such as perceiving non-existent sounds or seeing imaginary objects.
- Engaging in violent behaviors during sleep, such as kicking or punching.
- Talking in one’s sleep.
- Temporary cessation of movement or speech while awake or asleep, a phenomenon known as sleep paralysis.
Stress and Anxiety
Teeth grinding is frequently associated with a range of psychological disorders, including anxiety, stress, anger, and concentration difficulties. Research suggests that the central nervous system plays a significant role in bruxism, with an increase in brain activity and heart rate often observed before the onset of teeth grinding.
Medications
Bruxism may occur as a side effect of certain medications. For instance, some antidepressants, particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), can lead to teeth grinding as a potential adverse effect.
Other Causes
Determining the exact cause of bruxism can sometimes be challenging for healthcare professionals. However, it is generally believed that teeth grinding results from a complex interplay of physical, psychological, and genetic factors. Some of these contributing factors include:
- A family history of bruxism, suggesting that individuals with relatives who grind their teeth might be more inclined to do so themselves.
- Experiencing psychological stressors, such as tension, frustration, or anxiety.
- The connection between chewing and sleep.
- Neurological disorders.
- Dental misalignments, such as missing or crooked teeth.
- Smoking.
- Facial muscle spasms occurring during sleep.