What nutrient deficiency causes teeth grinding during sleep?

My 17-year-old son frequently grinds his teeth in his sleep. I've heard that he might be deficient in some nutrient. Could you please advise me, doctor? (Thanh An, Hanoi )

Reply:

Teeth grinding can overload the chewing system. Prolonged grinding causes the chewing surfaces of teeth to wear down, become flattened or chipped, exposing the enamel to the dentin underneath. This increases tooth sensitivity. Long-term consequences include jaw pain or muscle stiffness and may even cause ear pain.

Teeth grinding during sleep can be a form of sleep disorder, affecting both adults and children. Currently, the primary cause remains unknown. However, it is often associated with weight, malocclusion, allergies, and sleeping posture. Additionally, stress can contribute to and worsen teeth grinding. Certain foods that affect the nervous system can also exacerbate the condition.

You should take your child to an ENT specialist or neurologist for examination, diagnosis, and effective treatment advice for teeth grinding. Regarding nutrition, please also note the following:

Maintaining a healthy weight for your child : Maintaining a healthy weight plays a crucial role in keeping the body and mind in optimal condition. Several scientific studies have identified that being overweight or obese affects sleep, especially snoring. Limiting fats and animal fats, and engaging in regular, gentle exercise helps the body relax, reduces stress, and may lessen teeth grinding during sleep.

Recommended foods: Healthy fats, commonly found in fatty fish (mackerel, salmon, tuna) and nuts (walnuts, macadamia nuts, cashews, peanuts, etc.), are good for health and reduce stress. Colorful fruits contain many antioxidants, compounds that help prevent free radicals. Eating plenty of these fruits can improve health, increase blood flow to the brain, and promote better sleep. Children should also consider traditional remedies such as chamomile tea, lotus tea, and mugwort tea, which promote deep sleep, reduce stress, and minimize teeth grinding.

Foods to avoid : Spicy and heavily seasoned foods like chili peppers can worsen headaches and stress. Foods containing caffeine, such as coffee and green tea, stimulate the nervous system and, if consumed before bed, can reduce sleep quality and worsen teeth grinding during sleep.

Doctor Tran Thi Tra Phuong
Nutrihome Nutrition Clinic System

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