5 Common Reasons for Chattering Teeth

Teeth chattering is a temporary condition that causes rapid vibration of teeth when coming in contact with each other. Chattering can be a noticeable symptom, particularly when coupled with grinding muscles and facial grimacing. The condition is common among children, teenagers and adults. 

In this article, we explore five common reasons for chattering.

1. Emotional Stress or Panic Attacks

Emotional stress is the most common cause of chattering teeth. Young individuals especially struggle with chattering teeth due to nervousness. With this condition, the teeth are usually tightly clenched. When you clench your teeth, it can result in swollen gums. The teeth vibrate so fast that it becomes visible while they make contact with each other.

This condition mainly happens due to fear or panic brought on by a situation. A few situations that may cause chattering are a fight, robbery, or other traumatic experiences.

Anxiety teeth chattering, like panic attacks, is more common with younger individuals. It’s more typical because it aggravates a younger person’s hearing. This condition is often found in people with emotional stress or panic disorder.

Learning to cope with stress and anxiety can help you control chattering teeth. Some simple relaxation techniques like meditation, deep breathing, and yoga can help. If you are worried about your anxiety levels, consider seeing a clinical psychologist. With the right therapist, you can better deal with the cause of your anxiety. Then, your chattering teeth should lessen. 

2. Psychological Emotional Disorder

Most cases of teeth chattering are due to psychological and emotional disorders. This condition is usually characterized by a person’s inability to cope with emotions. When one can’t handle their feelings, it often results in psychological stress, anxiety, and panic. In severe cases, the individual may even suffer from depression and suicidal tendencies.

As recommended above, working with a mental health professional can push you in the right direction. When your anxiety and depression result in teeth chattering, it’s time to take action. Your health is important, both mentally and physically. 

3. Side Effects of Medications

Some medications can cause teeth to chatter. Sedatives, Viagra, and nitrous oxide are common culprits. Bacterial infections such as tonsillitis and diphtheria can also cause teeth chattering. 

Bruxism teeth grinding is a condition that occurs when uncontrolled muscle contractions cause the chewing muscles to rub against the teeth. Chronic stress and anxiety can also cause teeth to chatter. Furthermore, sleeping too much or too little at night can also bring on teeth chattering. 

If you feel your medication is causing your teeth to chatter, consult your doctor. They can work with you to discover the cause of your teeth chattering. They can suggest what to take if your medicine is the culprit. 

4. Structural or Movements in Teeth

Teeth grinding is a type of teeth chattering that occurs when a person grinds their teeth unconsciously. Usually, people grind their teeth when they sleep or are under stress. In this condition, the muscles involved in chewing are very rigid and tense, causing the teeth to vibrate rapidly. This condition can be caused by vitamin deficiency and kidney disease. Sometimes, medications such as Viagra and sedatives can also cause teeth issues like chattering. 

5. Enlarged Tongue and Mobility in Teeth

Movements in the tongue can also cause teeth chattering. For example, a sinus infection or an enlarged tongue can cause teeth to chatter. Sometimes the muscles involved in chewing are very rigid and tense. When your muscles get tense, it can result in the teeth vibrating quickly. Often, this happens when your tongue gets enlarged, or you have a sinus infection.

How do you Stop Teeth From Chattering?

There are a variety of things you can do to stop this condition from continuing. First, you can speak to your dentist, and they will take a look at your bite. If they see anything wrong such as an overbite or overjet, they may be able to fix this problem. You can also try to relax and breathe in and out slowly to reduce stress and anxiety.

Conclusion

Teeth chattering is a temporary condition that different things can cause. The most common cause of this condition is emotional stress or panic attacks. Other causes include side effects of medications, psychological-emotional disorders, structural or movements in teeth, tongue enlargement, and mobility in teeth. Always identify the primary problem before treating it when dealing with chattering teeth. It may take time to narrow down the root cause, so be patient. By working with the right doctor, though, you should be well on your way to recovery.