PTSD Triples Likelihood of Teeth Grinding, Study Finds

Alarming Link Between Mental Trauma and Oral Health

BRAZIL: A groundbreaking study conducted by researchers at the University of Sao Paulo has unveiled a startling connection between post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and an increased risk of teeth grinding, also known as bruxism. The findings, recently published in the esteemed journal Clinical Oral Investigations, reveal that individuals with PTSD face more than three times the likelihood of experiencing bruxism during waking hours.

Daytime Bruxism: A Potential Manifestation of PTSD

The small-scale study, involving 76 Brazilian adults, compared 38 individuals diagnosed with PTSD to an equal number without the condition. The results were striking, with those suffering from PTSD exhibiting a significantly higher incidence of daytime teeth grinding. As Dr. Ana Cristina de Oliveira Solis, the study’s lead author, stated:

“Our study showed that PTSD can be manifested orally, in bruxism and a higher level of pain after a clinical dental examination. This requires joint action by psychiatrists, psychologists, and dentists in screening and treatment of both health conditions.”

Dental Implants at Risk: Bruxism Linked to Higher Failure Rates

While no significant differences in oral hygiene or periodontal health were observed between the two groups, participants with PTSD reported higher levels of dental pain following clinical examinations. This finding suggests that bruxism and heightened dental discomfort could serve as potential warning signs of an underlying psychiatric condition.

Call for Interdisciplinary Collaboration

The researchers emphasize the need for an interdisciplinary approach to address this concerning link between mental health and oral health. Dr. Solis recommends that dentists treating patients who grind their teeth should inquire about potential underlying psychiatric conditions, while psychiatrists diagnosing PTSD might advise their patients to seek dental consultations if they experience symptoms like bruxism or jaw pain.

“For this reason, psychiatric screening instruments should be used in routine patient care, and patients should be advised to seek therapeutic assistance,” Dr. Solis advised.

As the study underscores, the connections between mental trauma and oral health are multifaceted and complex. By fostering greater collaboration between mental health professionals and dental practitioners, individuals suffering from PTSD may receive more comprehensive care and support, addressing both their psychological and physical well-being.

DPEARL Unveils GISHIRI Mouth Guard Solution for Teeth Grinding