Patient's question:
Detailed medical condition and consultation purpose: Does bruxism (teeth grinding) during sleep be inherited?Current general condition: My father, myself, and my 5-year-old son all grind our teeth during sleep at night. Myself and my father work at the same factory. Please ask, is bruxism a disease? Can it be inherited?
Doctor's answer:
Hello: The causes of bruxism are very complex, including psychological, emotional, dental, systemic, occupational, and spontaneous factors.(1) Psychological factors: Mental tension can increase jaw muscle tension, especially in anxious individuals who attempt to relieve inner distress by grinding their teeth. These patients have prolonged and frequent tooth contact. The mouth is a highly emotional organ, and some people develop the habit of grinding their teeth to satisfy repressed desires and wishes. Additionally, psychological frustration can lead to clenching and grinding.
(2) Central nervous system dysfunction: Bruxism is an involuntary subconscious action, reflecting a loss of regulation by higher-level central control. During sleep, as cerebral cortex activity is controlled, subconscious jaw-closing reflexes increase, and the rhythmicity of muscle tension and contraction changes significantly, resulting in clenching and grinding activities. Upon waking, bruxism is controlled.
(3) Occlusal factors: Bruxism has a close relationship with occlusal factors. When occlusion is elevated or there is occlusal interference, individuals may involuntarily grind their teeth to eliminate high spots. Clinically, methods such as occlusal restoration, orthodontics, and occlusal adjustment can eliminate or reduce bruxism by removing occlusal interference. Additionally, occlusal type, tooth position, tooth mobility, mandibular movement patterns, tooth morphology, and restorations also play important roles in the development of bruxism.
(4) Other factors: In addition to the above factors, genetic predisposition, nutritional deficiencies, vitamin and calcium deficiencies, gastrointestinal dysfunction, intestinal parasites, blood pressure changes, and sleep posture are also factors.