From the Guidelines
Bruxism is primarily caused by stress, anxiety, and sleep disorders, as well as abnormal bite alignment, missing teeth, crooked teeth, or other dental problems that create an uneven chewing surface, as supported by the most recent evidence 1.
Causes of Bruxism
The causes of bruxism can be multifactorial, including:
- Stress, anxiety, and sleep disorders, which are common triggers for bruxism 1
- Abnormal bite alignment, missing teeth, crooked teeth, or other dental problems that create an uneven chewing surface, as noted in individuals with cardio-facio-cutaneous syndrome 1
- Certain medications, particularly some antidepressants and antipsychotics, which can trigger or worsen bruxism as a side effect
- Lifestyle factors such as alcohol consumption, smoking, caffeine intake, and recreational drug use, which may also increase the risk
- Neurological conditions like Parkinson's disease and certain personality types prone to aggression, competition, or hyperactivity, which have been linked to higher rates of bruxism
- Genetics, which may play a role in the development of bruxism, as it sometimes runs in families
Importance of Understanding Causes
Understanding the causes of bruxism is crucial for developing effective treatment strategies, which may include:
- Stress management techniques
- Dental appliances like night guards
- Medication adjustments
- Behavioral therapy, depending on the underlying cause It is essential to consider the most recent and highest quality evidence when making treatment decisions, as noted in the 2023 guideline for the management of chronic pain associated with temporomandibular disorders 1.