Antidepressants and Teeth Grinding in Canada
If you’ve started an antidepressant and noticed sore jaw muscles, morning headaches, or a chipped tooth out of nowhere, you’re not imagining it. Some antidepressants can increase jaw clenching and teeth grinding (bruxism). The good news: you don’t have to choose between your mental health and your smile. With the right plan, you can protect your teeth and jaw—and keep feeling better.
Do antidepressants cause teeth grinding?
They can. Certain antidepressants—especially some SSRIs and SNRIs—may change brain chemistry that controls muscle activity during sleep and while awake. That shift can raise the risk of jaw clenching and grinding for some people. The effect varies by person, dose, and time on the medication. Don’t stop your prescription; talk to your prescriber and your dentist about next steps.
Why some antidepressants can trigger bruxism
Antidepressants that affect serotonin and norepinephrine may influence the parts of the brain that dampen muscle activity and pain perception. In a small subset of patients, that can show up as new or increased clenching and grinding—at night (sleep bruxism), in the daytime (awake clenching), or both.
Other factors can add fuel to the fire: stress, caffeine or energy-drink use, poor sleep, a misaligned bite, or existing TMJ (jaw joint) sensitivity. If you already had mild grinding, a new antidepressant could make it more noticeable.
Common signs to watch for
– Morning jaw, temple, or ear-area soreness or headaches
– Chipped, cracked, or flattened tooth edges
– Tight, tired face muscles; difficulty opening wide in the morning
– Tooth sensitivity to cold air or cold water
– Clicking or popping at the jaw joint; pain in front of the ear
– Your partner hears grinding at night
First step: loop in your care team
Never stop or change your antidepressant on your own. Instead, tell both your prescriber and your dentist what you’re noticing. Many people do well with a combined plan: small medication adjustments (only if your prescriber agrees) plus dental protection and habit tweaks.
“Always tell your dentist and physician about all medicines you are taking. Some can affect your mouth by causing dry mouth or other changes.” — American Dental Association
Your dentist’s role: protect, prevent, and monitor
Your dentist will check for enamel wear, tiny fractures, gum recession, and TMJ tenderness. From there, you’ll get a practical, step-by-step plan that might include:
1) A protective appliance
A custom-made night guard cushions the bite and spreads forces to protect enamel, fillings, crowns, and veneers. It can also reduce morning muscle soreness. Learn more about whether a guard is right for you in our guide to a custom night guard.
2) Sensitivity and enamel support
– Desensitizing toothpaste (potassium nitrate) twice daily
– Nightly 0.05% fluoride rinse or prescription-strength fluoride gel (if you have frequent cavities or dry mouth)
– Rinse with water after acidic drinks; wait 30 minutes to brush
3) Daytime clench control
Place a sticky note at your workstation: “Lips together, teeth apart.” Throughout the day, do mini check-ins. If teeth touch when you’re not chewing, you’re clenching. Relax your jaw, rest your tongue on the palate, and keep teeth slightly apart.
4) Lifestyle tweaks that help
– Cut back on late-day caffeine and energy drinks that can tighten jaw muscles
– Create a wind-down routine: stretching, a warm shower, or gentle jaw relaxation
– Keep sleep regular; aim for a dark, cool bedroom
– Consider short breath-work sessions (4-7-8 breathing) before bed
Dry mouth is common—don’t ignore it
Many antidepressants reduce saliva flow. Saliva protects enamel by neutralizing acids and washing away food and bacteria. Less saliva means higher cavity risk and more irritation around the gums and cheeks.
Try these simple wins:
– Sip water regularly (carry a bottle; keep one at the bedside)
– Chew sugar-free gum with xylitol to spark saliva
– Choose an alcohol-free, moisturizing mouthwash
– Use fluoride toothpaste twice daily; ask about a high-fluoride paste if you’ve had recent decay
When your prescriber may adjust treatment
For some patients, clinicians may consider a dose adjustment, a change in timing, or a different medication if grinding is severe and persistent. In select cases, a second medicine may be added to reduce clenching. Your prescriber will weigh mental-health benefits, side effects, and your dental symptoms to decide what’s safest. Your job: keep everyone updated on what you feel in your jaw and teeth.
Will bruxism damage my teeth long-term?
It can—if it’s heavy and goes untreated. Constant pressure can chip enamel, wear teeth flat, loosen dental work, and aggravate the TMJ. Catching it early helps. Regular checkups let your dentist compare tooth photos and X-rays over time and adjust your plan before small issues become big ones. To understand the broader picture, see why teeth grinding happens and how it’s managed.
What about TMJ pain?
TMJ (temporomandibular joint) tenderness often flares with bruxism. A night guard, warm compresses, short courses of over-the-counter pain relief (if safe for you), soft foods for a few days, and jaw relaxation exercises can calm symptoms. If locking, clicking with pain, or wide opening becomes difficult, see your dentist. Our primer on TMJ disorder basics explains evaluation and care options.
Simple, Canada-ready plan you can start tonight
Tonight
– Brush with fluoride toothpaste for two minutes and floss
– Rinse with water after your last drink or snack; use a fluoride rinse if recommended
– Do one minute of jaw relaxation (gently open/close; massage jaw muscles)
– If you already have a night guard, wear it
This week
– Track symptoms each morning (headache, jaw tightness, tooth sensitivity) in your phone notes
– Place a “teeth apart” note where you work or study
– Switch to an alcohol-free mouthwash; add sugar-free xylitol gum after meals
– Book a dental checkup if you haven’t had one in the last 6 months
This month
– Share your jaw/teeth notes with your dentist and prescriber
– Get fitted for a custom night guard if advised
– Revisit caffeine timing and sleep routine; keep a consistent bedtime
– If dry mouth persists, ask about prescription fluoride or saliva substitutes
What we (and your dentist) watch over time
– Are tooth edges flattening or chipping?
– Is sensitivity improving with fluoride and a guard?
– Any new cracks in fillings or crowns?
– Are morning headaches easing?
– Is dry mouth under control with hydration and xylitol?
– Is TMJ comfort getting better with your routine?
Data and context for Canadians
Antidepressants remain among the most commonly dispensed prescription drug classes in Canada. That means dentists regularly team up with family doctors and mental-health providers to prevent medication-related dry mouth and grinding from turning into tooth wear, fractures, or TMJ pain. If you’re on a prescription, you’re not alone—and your dental team has a toolkit ready.
Conclusion
Antidepressants can be life-changing—and for a small group, they can also trigger jaw clenching and teeth grinding. You don’t have to pick between feeling well and keeping your teeth strong. Tell your dentist and prescriber what you’re noticing, protect your enamel with a custom appliance if needed, support saliva, and build small daily habits that relax your jaw and protect your bite. With the right plan, your smile—and your mental health—can both thrive.
FAQ
1) Which antidepressants are most linked with grinding?
Grinding has been reported with certain SSRIs and SNRIs. But response is individual: some people never grind; others do. If symptoms appear after a new or adjusted prescription, tell your prescriber and dentist right away.
2) Should I stop my antidepressant if I start grinding?
No. Don’t stop a prescription on your own. Most people improve with dental protection (like a night guard), jaw-relaxation habits, better sleep, and, if needed, a prescriber-guided adjustment.
3) How fast can a night guard help?
Many people feel less morning soreness within a week or two. A custom guard spreads bite forces and protects enamel and dental work while you address triggers and routines.
4) Can daytime clenching be fixed without a mouthguard?
Yes. Daytime awareness is key. Use reminders to keep “lips together, teeth apart,” reduce late-day caffeine, add brief breathing exercises, and take stretch breaks. If clenching is constant, ask your dentist about a daytime appliance and posture coaching.
5) Is dry mouth from antidepressants dangerous?
It raises cavity and gum irritation risk by reducing saliva’s natural protection. Hydration, xylitol gum, alcohol-free mouthwash, and fluoride toothpaste (plus regular cleanings) usually control it well.
6) What if my jaw clicks, locks, or hurts when opening?
That can signal TMJ involvement. See your dentist for an exam. Short-term soft diets, warm compresses, a custom guard, and guided exercises often help. Persistent locking or pain deserves a prompt evaluation.
