Is Bruxism Hereditary? Your Questions Answered

Is bruxism genetic? This is a question we get a lot here at Clear Comfort Night Guards, so we decided to put together a comprehensive guide to clear things up. 

Although overcoming bruxism completely isn’t always possible, recognizing the root cause of the condition may help you find a sense of peace and acceptance. And the good news is that a custom night guard can work wonders in providing relief!

Is grinding your teeth genetic? What are other causes of bruxism? How does a dental guard work? Read on for answers to these frequently asked questions and more.

The Bruxism-Family Connection

Is bruxism hereditary? The simplest answer is that bruxism can be caused by genetic predisposition, but that’s not always the cause. 

A study conducted by the National Library of Medicine showed that 21-50% of people with bruxism have a direct family member who also experienced the condition during childhood. This research was further solidified when the National Library of Medicine analyzed ten similar studies, and only one study (related to twins) arrived at a different conclusion.

Is bruxism genetic? The science speaks for itself—bruxism does indeed run in the family. That said, having relatives with the condition doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll have it or that your bruxism is definitively caused solely by your DNA.

Other Causes of Bruxism

Is bruxism hereditary? As you can see, it’s not a binary yes or no answer. There are many other factors that can also lead to teeth grinding and clenching. Genetics can make you more likely to grind and clench your teeth, but there can be other reasons at play, too.

• Stress: Negative emotions such as stress, anxiety, frustration, and anger can trigger bruxism.

• Personality: People who tend to be hyperactive, competitive, or aggressive may experience bruxism.

• Medications: Although rare, bruxism can be a side effect of some types of medications.

• Age: Bruxism is more common among children and can subside as they get older. Is bruxism hereditary? Sometimes, it’s just part of growing up!

• Other Health Conditions: Bruxism can be a side effect of many disorders, such as ADHD, sleep apnea, Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, and gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD), among others.

• Misaligned Bite: A malocclusion (when the teeth don’t line up correctly) can cause bruxism.

• Lifestyle Habits: Many habits can lead to bruxism, such as chewing gum, chewing non-food items, smoking, taking drugs, and consuming too much caffeine or alcohol.

Severity of Symptoms

Is bruxism genetic, and if so, are the side effects the same? In other words, is bruxism that’s hereditary going to produce the same symptoms as non-hereditary bruxism?

The symptoms of bruxism can vary widely depending on the individual and the root cause of the condition. Everyone is unique, and side effects are often connected and exacerbated by each other. 

For example, one person could have a family history of bruxism but without any other aggravators, so the symptoms could be quite mild. 

On the other hand, an individual could have no family history of bruxism, but grinding and clenching related to a sleep disorder could lead to severe bruxism side effects as well as sleep-related health complications, such as a weakened immune system. 

How a Custom Dental Guard Can Help

Is bruxism hereditary, and if so, is the condition untreatable? When genetics lead to a health condition, it’s normal to feel like there’s no solution. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to get relief!

Wearing custom-fitted dental guards has proven to be a highly effective way to drastically reduce the side effects associated with bruxism. Daytime and nighttime dental guards act as a cushion between the upper and lower teeth, preventing them from grinding against each other.

Beyond preventing dental problems, the multifaceted benefits of dental guards can be truly transformative. Many of our customers have completely overcome the unpleasant side effects, naturally leading to profound improvements in their overall physical comfort and mental and emotional well-being.

Order Your Custom-Made Dental Guard Today

Is bruxism hereditary? As you can see, the answer to the question, “Is bruxism genetic?” isn’t always a guaranteed yes or no. More importantly, whether your bruxism is inherited or caused by an external factor, now is the time to take action. 

Why choose us? Here at Clear Comfort Night Guards, we offer custom-fitted dental guards that are made by professional dental technicians here in the USA. Our dental guards are the same premium quality as those you would get from a dentist’s office, but because we bypass the middleman, our prices are much more affordable.

Our ordering process is simple and straightforward, and your dental guard is backed by our 45-day trial with a 100% money-back guarantee.

Is bruxism hereditary? We hope this guide has provided answers to the common question, “Is grinding your teeth genetic?” Please don’t hesitate to contact us for further clarification. Order your custom night guard today!