From the Research
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can cause bruxism (teeth grinding or clenching) through several interconnected mechanisms, including heightened stress and anxiety levels, disrupted sleep patterns, and hyperarousal, as supported by a study published in 2022 1.
Key Mechanisms
- Heightened stress and anxiety levels increase muscle tension throughout the body, including the jaw muscles, leading to unconscious teeth grinding, especially during sleep.
- Disrupted sleep patterns and hyperarousal keep the nervous system in a constant state of alertness, contributing to muscle tension and bruxism.
- Nightmares or flashbacks trigger physical stress responses, including jaw clenching.
Management and Treatment
- Addressing both PTSD and bruxism simultaneously through stress reduction techniques, proper sleep hygiene, and possibly using a night guard to protect teeth.
- Psychological treatments for PTSD, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, can help reduce overall stress levels, while muscle relaxation exercises specifically targeting the jaw may provide relief from bruxism symptoms.
- A 2024 study found that trauma-focused treatment can decrease the severity of bruxism in patients with PTSD, highlighting the importance of addressing the underlying trauma 2.
Important Considerations
- Some medications used to treat PTSD, particularly certain antidepressants like SSRIs, may worsen bruxism as a side effect, as noted in a 2000 study 3.
- A 2023 review of PTSD treatment options emphasizes the importance of concurrent treatment of psychiatric comorbidities, including mood disorders and substance use, which can impact bruxism symptoms 4.
- Alternative approaches, such as ketamine and repetitive trans-cranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), may also be considered for treatment-resistant PTSD, as discussed in a 2016 review 5.