People often develop the unhealthy habit of grinding their teeth for a number of different reasons. You might do so while you're bored, while you're thinking, or for different reasons, and your dentist may even express concern about the wear on your teeth that is visible from this habit. There are many different methods that you can use to curb this habit, but if you grind your teeth from a medical condition, dealing with the issue may be more of a challenge. Unfortunately, there are several different medical conditions that can make it more likely that you'll grind your teeth. Here are three examples.
Parkinson's Disease
Parkinson's disease is a debilitating condition that is characterized by frequent tremors. Notable public figures who have contended with this condition include boxer Muhammad Ali and actor Michael J. Fox. When you have Parkinson's, your body will often shake without you being able to control it — and this can include grinding your teeth many times throughout the day. You should always seek care for your Parkinson's symptoms with a medical professional, but don't hesitate to discuss this issue with your dentist, too. Wearing a specialized mouthpiece may limit the damage that you do to your teeth.
Anxiety Disorder
Anxiety disorders affect lots of people to various degrees. For some people with anxiety disorders, the symptoms are mainly emotional — for example, the person may experience concerning thoughts, nightmares, and more. For others, physical symptoms can be present, including perspiring, headaches, and even tooth grinding. It's easy to fall into the habit of grinding your teeth simply when you're a little stressed, but intense grinding may be a result of a battle with an anxiety disorder. There are many ways to treat anxiety disorders, but you should also include a consultation with your dentist to discuss your tooth grinding.
Tourette Syndrome
People who suffer from Tourette syndrome often deal with many unpleasant muscle tics throughout the day. Blinking, facial contortions, and other similar movements can all be frustrating and exhausting. For some Tourette sufferers, tooth grinding can be a major concern. For example, if you have this medical condition, you might bite down violently and move your jaw from front to back or from side to side. Damage to your teeth is likely, especially if you're grinding them with extreme force. A visit to your dentist can be the first step toward developing a coping strategy for this issue.
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