Risk Factors for Bruxism in Queens

Many people in Queens struggle with bruxism--- repetitive grinding of the teeth or clenching of the jaw. Bruxism often occurs during sleep, and even in awake bruxism the person may not be fully aware that they are doing it. The exact causes of bruxism are still largely unclear, although sleep bruxism is widely recognized as probably having different underlying causes than awake bruxism. Sleep bruxism in Queens may be caused by neurotransmitter abnormalities in the central nervous system, whereas awake bruxism is more strongly associated with stress, anxiety, and other psychosocial factors. Although no one is entirely sure what causes bruxism, there is some evidence that certain factors might predispose someone toward being more likely to develop bruxism.

Bruxism Risk Factors

There are a number of risk factors that have been correlated with an increased risk of bruxism in Queens, based on research and statistical studies.

·         Anxiety and stress. Bruxism in Queens, especially awake bruxism, is often tied to stress. An underlying anxiety disorder or a stressful lifestyle can increase the risk of bruxism developing. Bruxism can also be intensified by sudden stressful life events, such as bereavement or unemployment. Although the role of stress in sleep bruxism is not as well understood, it remains a possible contributing factor.

·         Personality type. People with certain types of personality are more likely to develop bruxism. Specifically, a particularly aggressive, competitive, or hyperactive personality has been linked to increased bruxism risk. Some studies suggest that suppressing anger and frustration can also lead to bruxism.

·         Tobacco use. Nicotine, a stimulant that is the active ingredient in cigarettes and other tobacco products, has been linked to bruxism. This is likely to be because nicotine stimulates dopamine release.

·         Use of prescription or recreational stimulants. Prescription stimulants like Adderall or Ritalin, as well as recreational stimulant drugs like cocaine and methamphetamine, can cause bruxism as a side effect, especially in higher doses.

·         Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors. Bruxism can occur as a relatively rare side effect of SSRIs, and generally subsides when the drug is discontinued.

·         Caffeine consumption. Like nicotine, caffeine stimulates dopamine release, and can exacerbate or cause bruxism.

·         Age and sex. Bruxism in Queens is most likely to occur in people under 40, and is more likely to occur in women than in men. A prime demographic for bruxism is women aged 27-40.

·         Facial or oral trauma may be a factor that can spur the onset of bruxism.

·         Abnormal alignment of teeth or jaws. Abnormalities in the relative size and positioning of the teeth or jaws can affect occlusion, or the way in which teeth fit together. Dental problems like an over-erupted wisdom tooth can interfere with occlusion. This does not always lead to bruxism, but in some cases malocclusion may be a precipitating factor in the development of bruxism, as opposed to being a symptom caused by bruxism.

NEUROFEEDBACK FOR BRUXISM IN NEW YORK