Is bruxism hereditary?
This summary is based on the article published in the Journal of Oral Rehabilitation: Bruxism and genetics: a review of the literature (September 2014)
F. Lobbezoo, C. M. Visscher, J. Ahlberg & D. Manfredini
Context
The anecdotal evidence encountered in dental practice points strongly to the conclusion that teeth grinding is hereditary. Most people who talk to their dentists about teeth-grinding problems say that one or more family members grind their teeth as well.
It is worth asking the question: is there sound scientific data to support the anecdotal evidence?
Purpose of the Review
The purpose of the study is to enable dentists to provide an evidence-based answer to the question of whether or not bruxism is hereditary.
Key Findings
- With the exception of 1 study, all included studies concluded that bruxism appears to be (in part) genetically determined.
- Dentists whose patients ask them about bruxism can therefore tell them that teeth grinding does indeed “run in families.”
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I find these findings rather hard to believe. I have always been of the opinion that grinding is related to occlusion and environmental factors like stress. So outside of dental (occlusion) heredity, there would not be a link to genetics. And even dental heredity is more due to diet than anything else (the shape of the teeth is the main genetic aspect).
So from what I have seen, and to me, what logic dictates, as for nature or nurture, I would say grinding is due to “nurture”, not “nature”.
I tried looking up the study referenced in order to see the source references for the conclusions, but all I can find is an abstract. Without access to the full studies and reference material for the paper, I think this Oasis discussion post is pretty useless (sorry, can’t think of a nicer way to say that atm).
Hello Dr. Schau,
Thank you for your comment. To respond to your suggestion of having access to the full-text article: we have special agreements with some publishers to give access to the articles we feature for a limited period of 3 months. However, the article feaured here is not included in those agreements. Please let us know, should you have any other question.
JCDA Oasis Team
From what I have observed, bruxism is mostly related to malocclusion and stress. Class 1 molar with canine guidance occlusions can help the stomatological system last a lifetime with nary a wear facet.
Usually, bruxism is diagnosed based on clinical impression of occlusion and any history of tooth grinding, as a side effect of certain specific medications or may be genetics. My follow-up question is more focussed about the line of treatment for patients with bruxism, question is, should every patient with bruxism be treated with night guards/occlusal splints or should they be evaluated for sleep studies to rule out sleep-related disorders and confirm bruxism alone before recommending occlusal splints? Is occlusal splint a rational choice for every patient with bruxism or should it be customised based on sleep evaluation to avoid aggravating underlying respiratory disturbances? If an existing occlusal splint worsens the underlying respiratory problem, can the general dentist be held liable for not referring the patient to a sleep specialist for evaluation before recommending occlusal splint?
(Ref:
Sleep Bruxism: A Comprehensive Overview for the Dental Clinician Interested in Sleep Medicine Dental Clinics of North America, Volume 56, Issue 2, Pages 387-413
Maria Clotilde Carra, Nelly Huynh, Gilles Lavigne; Int J Prosthodont. 2004 Jul-Aug;17(4):447-53Aggravation of respiratory disturbances by the use of an occlusal splint in apneic patients: a pilot study.
Gagnon Y1, Mayer P, Morisson F, Rompré PH, Lavigne GJ); Chest. 2008 Aug;134(2):332-7. doi: 10.1378/chest.08-0115. Epub 2008 May 19.A significant increase in breathing amplitude precedes sleep bruxism. Khoury S1, Rouleau GA, Rompré PH, Mayer P, Montplaisir JY, Lavigne GJ.)