Grinding
teeth – medically termed Bruxism, is a multifactorial
condition that exhibits symptoms of teeth grinding and
(or) teeth clenching either during sleep times at night
or as a diurnal habit that is carried on both during
nights as well as day times.
Grinding
teeth with methylphenidate has been recently established
as a possibility that involves the increased occurrence
of teeth grinding in patients who are under treatment
for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity disorder (ADHA) and
using the drug methylphenidate.
The
relation of teeth grinding and
methylphenidate
Attention
Deficit Hyperactivity disorder (ADHA) is a condition
that is characterized by uncontrolled hyperactivity or
impulsiveness and difficulty of focusing on anything.
This syndrome is typically manifested in children and
psycho stimulant drugs are used as treatment to deal
with this condition. Amongst such drugs, the anti
depressant methylphenidate is commonly used as the
preferred medication.
Controlled
studies done on ADHA subjects has brought to light the
fact that on ADHA patients undergoing treatment with the
use of medication involving the drug methylphenidate,
the occurrence of teeth grinding has been seen to be
markedly more than on subjects not using the medication.
It has therefore been recognized that –
pharmacologically treated ADHA subjects showed higher
instances of occurrence of Bruxism symptoms compared to
ADHA subjects not taking medicines; and within the ADHA
group taking medications of methylphenidate the symptoms
disappeared after discontinuation of the drug – as
reported in the Journal of Child and Adolescent
Psychopharmacology. October 2008, 18(5): 537-538
Prevention
of teeth grinding with
methylphenidate
Prevention
of the occurrence of or increase of teeth grinding
activity with the use of the drug methylphenidate
requires immediate cessation of the drug and
consultations with a specialist to examine the condition
as well as to determine an alternative course of action
for treating the primary ADHA
syndrome.
Secondly,
there is a possibility that the drug methylphenidate has
actually exaggerated an already existing condition of
teeth grinding. In this case, an examination is called
for in order to correctly identify the root causes of
the teeth grinding habit.
The causes
of teeth grinding can be many and unless the real causes
are addressed in the right manner, the habit of teeth
grinding can manifest into a chronic condition that can
go on to cause severe damage to teeth and overall
health.
Teeth
grinding is best treated with a holistic approach that
attends to the entire body’s fitness and uses natural
ways of healing.
