Most often people associate teeth chattering with being cold. Being cold can definitely cause your teeth to chatter, but there are number of other reasons why it may be happening. Below you will find the most common causes, treatment options, and when it’s time to see a doctor.
- Emotional Stress: A common symptom of stress, anxiety, and panic is called bruxism. It is most well known as teeth grinding. It can also result in teeth chattering. While the link between emotional stress and teeth chattering isn’t fully clear, researchers hypothesize that muscle spasms and tremors are symptoms of panic, anxiety, and stress
If you experience this, contact your doctor and see what they can do. Most often treatment options include medication or talk therapy. Your medical provider can discuss what would be best for you.
- Withdrawal: Alcohol and drug withdrawal can be accompanied by teeth chattering. It is referred to as a drug-induced tremor. Because your system is in withdrawal, the tremors are induced because you do not have the drug in your system. This is because your brain has become accustomed to getting used to the rush of dopamine that occurs when the substances are taken that it ultimately becomes dependent on them. Coming off of drugs or alcohol use means that your brain has to compensate for the loss of the drug as it has become dependent on it. This causes muscle spasms and can make your teeth chatter.
You should not experience withdrawal alone and it should likely be under medical supervision. Talk with your doctor about your options. Often there are medications that can help with your symptoms of withdrawal. Or, you may be able to slowly ease off of the substance to mitigate major issues concerning withdrawal.
- Neurological Disorders: Teeth chattering can be an early sign of certain neurological disorders. Certain conditions can make the muscles in your jaw, face, and mouth contract and relax involuntarily which can include your teeth chattering.
If you experience teeth chatter and the muscles in your face contracting and relaxing you should contact a medical professional. Early diagnosis and treatment is important for these conditions.
- Medication Side Effects: Some medications like antidepressants or antipsychotic medications are known to cause bruxism and teeth chattering. This is because they interact with neurons in your brain that react to high levels of serotonin and a deficit in dopamine which can cause chatter.
If you are getting unwanted side effects from your medication, contact your doctor. You may need to try something else or use alternative medicines for treatment if the side effects are too severe.
- Being Cold: The most common reason your teeth chatter is because you are cold! Shivering is a warming process that automatically kicks in when your internal body temperature drops too low. If your body temperature drops too low you can go into hypothermia. Shivering activates the muscles in your body to move to warm up your body tissue. This raises your internal body temperature closer to normal. As for the teeth chatter, your jaw twitches and spasms when the muscles contract and relax which results in your teeth chattering.
When Should I See a Medical Professional?
If you experience teeth chattering any additional symptoms for more than a few days, contact a medical professional. If you know the reason for it there is not cause for concern, but if you are unclear it’s important to get checked out.
In addition to seeing your medical provider, it’s important to get seen by a dentist as well. Teeth can become worn down or damaged due to chattering and grinding.
If you are struggling grinding your teeth, teeth chattering, or any other dental care issue, contact the dentists at Dental Care of Chino Hills. The dentist provides patients with complete treatment plans to help with any dental issues. They use restorative and cosmetic dentistry based on whatever your dental needs are. Contact the office today for an appointment!