Exploring the Role of Oral Microbiota in the Pathophysiology and Treatment of Bruxism

Abstract

Bruxism is an involuntary condition involving grinding and clenching of the teeth, occurring during both wakefulness and sleep. This behavior can lead to various detrimental effects on oral health, including significant tooth wear and damage, temporomandibular disorders (TMD), tooth sensitivity, gum recession, and persistent headaches along with ear pain or tinnitus. The underlying causes of bruxism have long been debated, with the consensus suggesting that psychological, genetic, and environmental factors contribute to its development. Traditionally, the etiology of bruxism has been linked to stress, anxiety, malocclusion or dental misalignment, and other behavioral factors. However, recent research has begun to explore the potential role of oral microbiota in the pathophysiology of bruxism. Emerging studies propose that disruptions in the balance of oral bacteria may influence the onset and severity of bruxism, possibly by affecting inflammatory processes or neurological pathways related to muscle function. This literature review aims to explore this novel connection, summarizing key study findings, examining the implications for treatment, and evaluating the potential mechanisms by which oral microbiota may impact bruxism. Understanding this relationship could open new avenues for therapeutic strategies targeting microbial factors in managing bruxism.

FIGURE 1

Bruxism is influenced by interconnected factors. Psychological factors include stress, anxiety, and depression, leading to unconscious grinding or clenching. Sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea and insomnia, are linked to teeth clenching during poor‐quality sleep. Physical factors involve dental malocclusion and TMJ disorders, causing jaw discomfort and uneven bites. Neurological conditions, like Parkinson's and Huntington's diseases, and pharmacological factors, such as SSRIs and antipsychotics, disrupt neurotransmitter balance and motor control. Lifestyle factors, including caffeine, alcohol, smoking, and recreational drug use, exacerbate stress and sleep disruptions. Nutritional deficiencies, such as magnesium, calcium, and vitamin D, contribute to muscle cramps and jaw tension.

FIGURE 2

Oral microbiota variations and similarities associated with depression, bruxism, anxiety, and stress. Common bacterial changes across all conditions include increased Prevotella, Selenomonas and Veillonella, and decreased Streptococcus and Gemella, suggesting shared dysbiotic patterns highlighting the complex interplay between oral microbiota, bruxism, mental health, and stress‐related conditions. Bacteria highlighted in Red indicate those that are increased in abundance, while bacteria highlighted in Blue indicate those that are reduced in abundance.

FIGURE 3

Oral microbiota variations and similarities associated with Sleep Apnea and bruxism. Common bacterial changes across all conditions include increased Prevotella and Veillonella, and decreased Gemella, suggesting shared dysbiotic patterns highlighting the complex interplay between oral microbiota, bruxism and sleep apnea. Bacteria highlighted in red indicate those that are increased in abundance, while bacteria highlighted in blue indicate those that are reduced in abundance.

FIGURE 4

Oral microbiota variations and similarities associated with TMJ, malocclusion and bruxism. Common bacterial changes across all conditions include increased Prevotella and Veillonella, and decreased Granulicatella and Gemella, suggesting shared dysbiotic patterns highlighting the complex interplay between oral microbiota and TMJ, malocclusion and bruxism. Bacteria highlighted in red indicate those that are increased in abundance, while bacteria highlighted in blue indicate those that are reduced in abundance.

FIGURE 5

Oral microbiota variations and similarities associated with bruxism and lifestyle factors. Common bacterial changes across all conditions include increased Prevotella, selenomonas, oribacterium and Veillonella, and decreased Streptococcus and Gemella, suggesting shared dysbiotic patterns highlighting the complex interplay between oral microbiota brusims and lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol, and coffee drinkers and drug use. Bacteria highlighted in red indicate those that are increased in abundance, while bacteria highlighted in blue indicate those that are reduced in abundance.

FIGURE 6

Oral microbiota variations and similarities associated with bruxism and PD. Common bacterial changes across all conditions include increased Prevotella and Veillonella, and decreased Granulicatella and Gemella, suggesting shared dysbiotic patterns highlighting the complex interplay between oral microbiota bruxism and PD. Bacteria highlighted in red indicate those that are increased in abundance, while bacteria highlighted in blue indicate those that are reduced in abundance.