Genomics and Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)

It never fails to amaze me how many of our quirks and traits have a genetic basis. Bruxism, or grinding your teeth, actually has a genetic component to it.

This article digs into the research on which genes are linked to bruxism and explains how knowing the genetic mechanisms can lead to solutions.

Bruxism, genes, and serotonin:

Bruxism is a condition where you unconsciously clench or grind your teeth. This can occur when sleeping (sleep bruxism) or while you are awake.

Bruxism can cause wear on the enamel of the teeth and even cause teeth to crack. Additionally, people with bruxism may have jaw pain, headaches, migraines, or sleep disorders.[ref]

Physical causes of bruxism, like crooked or missing teeth, can be addressed by your dentist.

But why do some people have the innate urge to clench their teeth to the point of pain or shearing down the enamel?

Genomics studies point to the serotonin system as one strong cause. People with genetic variants in a serotonin receptor are at an increased risk for bruxism.[ref]

What does serotonin do?

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter found in the brain as well as the gut. Serotonin is important for mood, memory, and cognition in the brain.

Anxiety has long been linked to teeth grinding, and research shows that people with anxiety are more likely to have bruxism.[ref]

Coming back to genetics…
Both serotonin receptors and dopamine receptor variants have been linked to an increased risk for bruxism. Variants in these genes also increase the risk of anxiety and neuroticism. Research shows that people with bruxism are much more likely to have relatives, indicating a genetic component to it.[ref]

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