From the Research
Medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like fluoxetine and sertraline, antipsychotics, amphetamines, and certain antidepressants can worsen nocturnal bruxism, and treatment options include custom-fitted night guards, behavioral approaches, and botulinum toxin injections. Several medications can exacerbate nocturnal bruxism, including SSRIs, antipsychotics, amphetamines, and certain antidepressants, as reported in studies such as 1 and 2.
- Treatment options for nocturnal teeth grinding include:
- Custom-fitted night guards or occlusal splints to prevent damage
- Behavioral approaches like stress management, relaxation exercises, and avoiding caffeine and alcohol before bedtime
- Botulinum toxin (Botox) injections into the masseter muscles for severe cases, as seen in 3
- Physical therapy focusing on jaw exercises and massage to relieve muscle tension If medication-induced, discussing dosage adjustments or switching medications with a doctor might be necessary, as suggested in 4. Addressing underlying sleep disorders like sleep apnea can also improve bruxism. Most patients benefit from a combination approach, starting with a night guard and behavioral modifications before considering more invasive treatments, as bruxism often occurs during sleep arousal periods and is associated with increased muscle activity in the jaw, which is why treatments target either protecting teeth or reducing muscle activity. According to the most recent study 5, the importance of sleep hygiene cannot be over-emphasized, and bedtime should be relaxed and enjoyable, with limited mental stimulation and physical activity before going to bed.