Wired and Tired

How PTSD Can Lead to Bruxism and Dental Issues: The Teeth Keep the Score By Dr Al Griskaitis, Psychiatrist Bessel van der Kolk noted in PTSD that "The body keeps the score". Bruxism is a literal example of that. What is Bruxism? Bruxism is the involuntary grinding or clenching of teeth. It can occur during waking hours (awake bruxism) or during sleep (sleep bruxism). Common signs include worn-down biting surfaces of teeth, erosion of teeth at the gumline (abfraction), jaw pain, headaches, and increased tooth sensitivity. While bruxism is often associated with transient stress, its common connection to PTSD highlights a bodily impact of feeling endangered. Bruxism likely relates to this chronic state of increased arousal from PTSD which can be further exacerbated by alcohol and some medications. What is PTSD? I posit that it is more than a reaction to trauma with a syndrome of symptoms, that's too low resolution. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) occurs when a very serious adversity leads to a "alarm