Chattering teeth is your body’s healthy response to raising your temperature whenever it’s needed. However, if you find yourself chattering or grinding although you’re not chilly, then it could be a sign that you have a health problem that needs to be resolved.
Anxiety and Panic
Stress happens to almost everyone at some point because of hectic jobs, family life, or lifestyle. Stress and anxiety are closely linked. When you have a high level of stress, your body reacts in different ways. You’ll feel that your heart pounds faster than normal. It also raises your blood pressure. You may also experience a headache, nausea, and teeth grinding. When you grind your teeth frequently, you’ll feel jaw pain, and your teeth will become sensitive.
If you think that the high amount of stress you’re experiencing is the main reason for your teeth grinding, you should not ignore it. Talk to your dentist about it for a proper diagnosis. Your dentist will also give you a treatment plan to help you avoid teeth grinding and potentially reduce stress in your life.
Neurological Disorders
If you aren’t cold but your teeth chatter, then it could be an early symptom of Parkinson’s disease. It’s especially true if tremors in the hands accompany the chattering. Teeth chattering is also common among patients with Tourette’s Syndrome. If you notice chattering, but you can’t identify the cause, should see your physician right away.
Medications
Some medicines can cause chattering teeth and tremors, most commonly anti-depressants and amphetamines. If you’re withdrawing from taking sleeping pills, for example, then you’ll experience chattering teeth as a withdrawal symptom.
Stop Before It’s Too Late
Chattering teeth can cause a lot of damage to your teeth. This condition must be addressed properly with your physician or dentist. If it becomes chronic, you’ll soon experience tooth damage and dental diseases. It’s important to know the cause of it to know the right treatment plan to implement. Apart from damaging your teeth, it’ll also affect your jaws. And if you have TMD, your condition can worsen. It can also change your facial appearance.
What can you do to stop teeth chattering?
The most common treatment option is to use a mouth guard. However, a mouth guard must be properly fitted by your dentist to protect your teeth from grinding while asleep.
If your condition is the result of too much stress, then you need to reduce your stress first by living a healthy lifestyle. Many patients find success through exercise or therapy. If you feel jaw pain, your dentist can prescribe a muscle relaxant.
You can also stop teeth grinding by cutting back or avoiding foods and drinks with caffeine. This would include chocolate, coffee, and sodas.
Avoiding alcohol can also do the trick as grinding will intensify after drinking. You should also avoid chewing on pens or anything that’s not food. It’s also a good idea to hold a warm washcloth and place it against your cheek to relax your jaw muscles.