Why are my teeth shaking? Teeth chattering can be quite alarming when it occurs unexpectedly. Most commonly associated with cold weather, shivering, and low temperatures, it’s a sensation we’ve all experienced at some point. However, what many people may not realize is that teeth chattering can also be a symptom of various underlying causes. In this article, we will delve into the most common reasons behind teeth chattering.
Why Are My Teeth Shaking?
1. Chilly Weather: The Classic Cause
One of the most well-known reasons for teeth chattering is the cold weather. When you find yourself in frigid conditions, your body may respond with shivering. This physiological response is designed to warm you up when your internal body temperature starts to drop below the normal range, which is typically between 97.7 to 99.5°F (36.5 to 37.5°C).
Despite the widely recognized “normal” body temperature of 98.6°F (37°C), the range can vary. When your body temperature dips below its usual level, you enter a state known as hypothermia. To combat this drop in temperature, your body initiates shivering.
During shivering, the muscles throughout your body involuntarily tense and relax rapidly. This rapid muscle movement generates heat, helping to raise your internal body temperature back to normal. Among the muscles affected are those in your face and jaw, including the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) muscles. These muscles link your jaw to your skull, and if you’ve ever experienced TMJ disorder, you know they can become stiff or locked.
As these muscles contract and relax, your jaw may twitch and spasm, causing your upper and lower teeth to knock together, resulting in the sensation of teeth chattering.
2. Emotional Stress and Teeth Chattering
Teeth chattering isn’t solely a response to physical cold; it can also be a reaction to emotional stress. Stress, anxiety, and panic can all lead to teeth grinding, a condition known as bruxism. This teeth grinding can also manifest as teeth chattering.
Research from 2010 revealed that anxiety and depression were consistently associated with teeth grinding. When you are stressed or anxious, this can lead to teeth chattering as well. The exact cause of teeth chattering in such situations is not entirely clear, but it might be linked to the muscle spasms and tremors often associated with these emotional conditions.
Moreover, a 2014 review of studies conducted between 1955 and 2014 on bruxism found that the rising prevalence of stress, emotional disorders, and the pressures of modern life were correlated with an increase in bruxism cases. This suggests that as our lives become more demanding, the incidence of teeth chattering related to bruxism stemming from anxiety or panic disorders is also on the rise.
3. Medication Side Effects and Teeth Chattering
In addition to environmental and emotional factors, certain medications can lead to teeth chattering. Antidepressants and antipsychotic medications, for instance, are known to cause bruxism, which can manifest as teeth chattering. One example of these medications is Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs).
Sertraline (Zoloft), another common medication, can also result in bruxism and teeth chattering. This side effect is related to its interaction with neurons in the brain that respond to high serotonin levels and a deficiency of dopamine. These neurological interactions can lead to the involuntary muscle movements associated with teeth chattering.
Final Words: Why Are My Teeth Shaking?
In conclusion, teeth chattering can have various causes, from cold weather to emotional stress and medication side effects. Understanding the underlying reasons is crucial to effectively address this issue. By taking appropriate measures, such as staying warm in cold weather, managing stress, and consulting with healthcare professionals when necessary, you can find relief from teeth chattering and ensure the well-being of your oral health.
