Chattering teeth can be a nuisance and an annoyance to you. Most times, it’s an involuntary bodily reaction due to certain factors. In this article, we’ll explore the factors for chattering teeth and what you can do for solutions to prevent some of the damage associated with this condition.
When you think of chattering teeth, most people think of shivering and clicking your teeth together quickly. It’s a common element in cartoons or comedy when characters click their teeth together when they shiver. When your body is cold it will automatically try and warm itself back up by shivering. Shivering is the act of your muscles contracting involuntarily and then relaxing. This high-speed action gets the blood flowing and helps warm up your body tissue in those areas. If you find yourself having chattering teeth while you’re cold, it’s a natural bodily reaction and nothing to be concerned about.
There are some more complicated reasons for chattering teeth that have various solutions. Another reason is the use of medication. Your body will respond differently to various medications and have side effects. People who take antidepressants or antipsychotic medication may experience chattering teeth or bruxism. Bruxism is another term for teeth grinding or clenching and it can severely damage your teeth if left untreated.
The main source of Bruxism is from the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) located in the jaw. TMJ refers to a condition that causes the muscles in your face and jaw to tense up and contract. Most people that suffer from TMJ and Bruxism do so while they sleep sometimes without knowing. Bruxism, and TMJ can all be triggered by stress and anxiety. Stressful elements to daily life like school, jobs, relationships, bills, and things in your personal life may cause your body to subconsciously react to those issues by releasing that stress while you sleep. That stress is released through the grinding of your teeth, clenching of your jaw, or chattering teeth.
When that stress from chattering teeth is released it can cause severe damage to your teeth and jaw muscles. Constant grinding or chattering can wear teeth down and start to expose nerves over time. If you suspect yourself of having chattering teeth look for these red flags. Do you have daily morning headaches? Are your teeth more sensitive to hot and cold foods than before? Are your jaw muscles sore when you wake up? These are all signs that you suffer from bruxism.
The best way to prevent teeth chattering is to wear a night guard while you sleep. These custom-crafted dental devices fit snuggly on your teeth. They are comfortable, and sleek, and are designed to prevent damage done by clenching or grinding. Night guards are crafted to withstand heavy grinding or clenching and help protect your teeth. They are inexpensive prevention of a serious issue. If left unprotected your teeth may become permanently damaged and require an expensive trip to the dentist.
Other causes for teeth chattering include withdrawal from addictive drugs and alcohol. When a substance that your body has been receiving for a long period of time is suddenly taken away, you may experience body tremors induced by the lack of that substance. When your body is dependent on a drug or alcohol, the shaking of teeth or the body can be a result of the absence of drugs.
Finally, chattering teeth can be early signs of disorders or medical conditions resulting from brain injuries, or oral conditions like getting your teeth pulled or wearing dentures that don’t fit. These are conditions that will need to be addressed by a medical doctor or a dentist to find a proper solution.
