Sometimes, your teeth will chatter when it’s cold outside. This is typically normal and not cause for concern. Simply keeping warm is enough to alleviate this issue.
However, if your chattering teeth aren’t due to the seasonal weather, there may be other reasons and methods to stop the chatter. Since this chatter could cause damage to your teeth, it’s time to get to the bottom of it. Dr. Stephen Coates shares possible reasons for teeth chattering and how to find relief.
Reasons for Chattering Teeth
1. Cold Weather
The cold can often cause teeth to chatter. Just like when you sweat on hot days to help cool off, your body also helps you to stay warm when it’s cold. As your body gets colder, the hypothalamus activates the shivering center, which causes your muscles to contract and relax swiftly to create additional warmth. If you’re just shivering in cold temperatures, this isn’t going to do much damage to your teeth.
2. An Infection
Shivering is sometimes your body’s natural response to a viral or bacterial infection. When your body is battling an illness, a fever can cause your internal temperature to elevate. This makes you feel cold, causing teeth to chatter. Check with your doctor to discover if you have an illness to get yourself back to better health and stop the chatter.
3. Oromandibular Dystonia
Oromandibular dystonia causes contractions in the muscles in your face. Usually, this is a symptom of another medical condition like Parkinson’s Disease or Tourette’s Syndrome. These conditions and their symptoms are manageable with the help of a medical professional.
4. Bruxism
Bruxism is a condition in which you grind your teeth and can result in jaw pain, teeth chattering, headache, and tooth damage. Your dental professional can help with bruxism by providing a mouthguard, relaxation exercises, Botox treatments, sleep improvement methods, and biofeedback.
5. Stressors
Physical reactions happen when you’re stressed or experiencing anxiety or panic, including heart pounding, elevated blood pressure, and teeth chattering. Try to alleviate stress with breathing exercises, walking, or chatting with a friend or professional.
6. Prescribed Medications
Drugs that help treat cancer, asthma, depression, and high blood pressure can cause teeth clenching and grinding. Some medications can also cause tremors that can lead to teeth chattering. If you notice that your symptom started when you began a new drug, speak with your physician about your concerns.
Dr. Stephen Coates, DDS is Here to Help
Chilly weather can bring on teeth chattering, but this isn’t always the cause. Teeth chattering can be bothersome and worrying, but it happens. If you think there may be more to your chatter, schedule an appointment with your physician and dentist.
Contact our office today to schedule your appointment! Once the cause is determined, your medical professional can help you with treatment options to stop the movement and protect your teeth.
