Have you ever caught yourself rubbing your teeth subconsciously? You are not alone. Millions of people around the world do it. Have you ever stopped to wonder why you do it? This article will explore the reasons why people rub their teeth.
The Need to Chew
The most common reason for rubbing teeth is the need to chew. Chewing is a natural instinct for humans. We begin to develop this instinct from an early age. As we grow older, we discover that chewing helps us relax and to deal with stress.
The action of rubbing your teeth together to simulate chewing is a subconscious process that people adopt to relieve tension or frustration.
Teething
Another reason why people rub their teeth is because of teething. Children often rub their teeth when they are developing new teeth. This action helps to numb the pain that they are experiencing.
Adults may also rub their teeth when they experience pain in the teeth or gums due to other reasons, such as tooth decay or gum disease.
Oral Addictions
Some people develop oral addictions that manifest in the form of teeth rubbing. These addictions could be caused by factors such as smoking, chewing gum or candies, or even biting nails.
When these habits are formed, people may unconsciously rub their teeth together, much like how they would smoke a cigarette or chew gum.
Dental Issues
Teeth rubbing may also be a sign of an underlying dental issue. Pressure on the teeth, caused by misaligned teeth or bite problems, can lead to teeth rubbing as a way of compensating for the pressure.
Other dental issues that can cause teeth rubbing include bruxism (teeth grinding) and temporomandibular joint syndrome (TMJ).
Anxiety and Stress
Some people rub their teeth as a means of dealing with anxiety and stress. Similar to how people find comfort in rubbing their hands or touching their face when they are anxious, teeth rubbing may also serve as a coping mechanism for some people.
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Neurological Conditions
There are some neurological conditions that can cause people to rub their teeth together. For instance, people with Tourette’s disorder often have a compulsion to rub their teeth together as part of the syndrome’s tics.
Other neurological conditions that can cause teeth rubbing include Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
Habituation
Teeth rubbing can develop as habituation. Habits develop when we repeat actions over time, and they become ingrained in our subconscious. In some cases, teeth rubbing begins as a temporary response to a stressful situation.
However, if the situation repeats over time, the teeth rubbing can become a habit.
Sensory Issues
For some people, teeth rubbing may be caused by sensory issues. Sensory processing disorder (SPD) is a condition in which the brain has difficulty receiving and interpreting sensory information.
People with SPD often have a heightened sense of touch, and this can lead to teeth rubbing as a way of processing sensory information.
Sinus Issues
One lesser-known reason why people rub their teeth is because of sinus issues. When the sinuses are clogged, there is pressure on the upper jaw and teeth. Rubbing the teeth may help to alleviate this pressure and provide some relief.
Hormonal Changes
Hormonal changes in the body can also lead to teeth rubbing. For instance, women going through menopause have hormonal changes that can result in stress, anxiety, and insomnia. These factors can all contribute to teeth rubbing.
Conclusion
Teeth rubbing may seem like a harmless habit, but it can have serious consequences for your oral health. If you have a habit of rubbing your teeth, it is essential to seek professional help to determine the cause and to receive appropriate treatment.
Whether the cause is dental, neurological, sensory, or behavioral, there are treatments available that can help you stop teeth rubbing and protect your oral health.
