The Role of Fasting in Minimizing the Risk of Teeth Grinding

Teeth grinding, medically known as bruxism, is a common yet often misunderstood condition affecting both children and adults across the globe. Characterized by the involuntary grinding or clenching of teeth—most often during sleep—bruxism can lead to a host of dental, muscular, and psychological complications. Among the multifaceted causes of this condition, stress, anxiety, sleep disorders, lifestyle habits, and dietary factors stand out.

In recent years, fasting—whether intermittent, prolonged, or religious—has gained attention not only for its metabolic and spiritual benefits but also for its influence on oral health and neurological well-being. Can fasting help reduce or prevent teeth grinding? This guide explores the scientific, neurological, psychological, and metabolic mechanisms through which fasting may influence the prevalence, intensity, and consequences of bruxism.

Understanding Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)

What Is Bruxism?

Bruxism refers to repetitive jaw-muscle activity characterized by clenching or grinding of the teeth. It may occur during:

Sleep (sleep bruxism) – involuntary and often undiagnosed.
Wakefulness (awake bruxism) – often associated with concentration or stress.

Common Symptoms

Worn-down, flattened, or chipped teeth
Jaw pain or tightness
Headaches, especially in the temples
Tooth sensitivity
Disrupted sleep
TMJ (temporomandibular joint) pain

Prevalence

Studies suggest that 13% of adults and 15–33% of children may experience bruxism at some point (Manfredini & Lobbezoo, 2010). However, these numbers may be underestimated due to underreporting.

Root Causes

Stress and Anxiety
Sleep Disorders (e.g., Sleep Apnea)
Caffeine and Alcohol Consumption
Smoking
Medications (e.g., SSRIs)
Malocclusion (teeth alignment issues)

The Physiology of Fasting

What Is Fasting?

Fasting is the voluntary abstention from food or drink, typically for spiritual, health, or medical purposes. It can be categorized into:

Intermittent Fasting (IF) – cyclic eating and fasting periods (e.g., 16:8, 5:2).
Extended Fasting – durations >24 hours.
Religious Fasting – as practiced during Ramadan or Lent.

Physiological Changes During Fasting

Reduction in Blood Glucose and Insulin
Increase in Ketone Bodies
Enhanced Autophagy
Hormonal Modulation (e.g., cortisol, ghrelin)
Reduction in Inflammation and Oxidative Stress
Parasympathetic Nervous System Activation

These systemic changes may offer indirect and direct benefits for those experiencing bruxism.

Neurological Connection Between Stress, Fasting, and Bruxism

Stress-Bruxism Axis

Bruxism is often exacerbated by psychosocial stress, which activates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, increasing cortisol and muscle tension.

Fasting and Stress Modulation

Fasting has been found to:

Reduce cortisol levels over time (Longo & Panda, 2016)
Increase GABAergic activity, leading to reduced anxiety and muscle excitability
Improve resilience to emotional triggers

Neurochemical Adjustments

Serotonin Regulation: Fasting influences tryptophan metabolism, increasing serotonin availability—associated with emotional well-being.
Dopamine Modulation: Reward system recalibration during fasting may reduce compulsive behaviors like bruxism.
Melatonin Enhancement: Nighttime fasting improves melatonin release, enhancing sleep architecture and reducing nocturnal grinding.

Sleep, Fasting, and Nocturnal Bruxism

Sleep Quality and Bruxism

Bruxism often coincides with poor sleep, including:

Fragmented sleep
REM disruptions
Micro-arousals

How Fasting Enhances Sleep

Circadian Rhythm Synchronization
- Eating close to bedtime disrupts circadian alignment.
- Fasting promotes melatonin and growth hormone production at the right times.
Improved Sleep Architecture
- Reduced inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain improve REM and deep sleep stages.
Lowered Restlessness
- Ketone-fueled brain function increases calmness during sleep.

By enhancing sleep quality, fasting indirectly reduces the neuromuscular triggers responsible for bruxism.

Hormonal Interactions

Cortisol

Chronic elevations in cortisol can cause:

Increased muscle tension
Jaw clenching
Emotional triggers for grinding

Fasting reduces cortisol over time, especially when combined with mindfulness and hydration.

Insulin and Blood Sugar Stability

Fluctuations in blood sugar can cause:

Nighttime wakefulness
Stress responses
Jaw tension

Fasting improves insulin sensitivity and reduces spikes, stabilizing glucose levels and lowering bruxism risks.

Ghrelin and Leptin

These hunger hormones also influence neurological signaling. Proper fasting balances their levels, leading to:

Less emotional eating
Less nighttime arousal
Calmer sleep cycles

Inflammation and Muscle Tension

Bruxism and Inflammation

Chronic inflammation:

Heightens nerve sensitivity
Increases muscle stiffness
Triggers TMJ flare-ups

Anti-Inflammatory Benefits of Fasting

Fasting lowers:

CRP (C-reactive protein)
TNF-alpha
IL-6
These inflammatory markers are associated with muscle fatigue and stress-induced tension.

By lowering these, fasting can ease jaw muscle tightness and reduce grinding tendencies.

Psychological Resilience and Mindfulness

Fasting as a Mental Discipline

The mental discipline associated with fasting—especially religious fasting—enhances:

Self-awareness
Emotional regulation
Impulse control

Bruxism, particularly during wakefulness, is often impulsive. Strengthening mental control can reduce this tendency.

Spiritual Peace and Parasympathetic Activation

Spiritual fasting brings emotional grounding. Studies have shown that spiritual serenity reduces bruxism prevalence, especially among those with anxiety disorders.

Dietary Quality and Bruxism Risk

Food Triggers of Bruxism

Sugar and refined carbohydrates cause insulin spikes.
Caffeine and alcohol heighten arousal and jaw tension.
MSG and artificial additives may trigger neurological sensitivity.

Fasting Eliminates Late-Night Eating

Avoiding food before bedtime:

Reduces acid reflux (which can trigger bruxism)
Improves sleep stages
Eliminates dietary stressors

Fasting acts as a dietary cleanse that breaks cycles of poor eating linked to bruxism.

Fasting and Parasympathetic Nervous System Dominance

The autonomic nervous system has two branches:

Sympathetic (fight or flight)
Parasympathetic (rest and digest)

Bruxism is often associated with sympathetic overactivation.

Fasting promotes parasympathetic tone, especially in prolonged or mindful fasting. This encourages:

Muscle relaxation
Calm breathing
Reduced grinding during sleep

Case Studies and Clinical Observations

Case Study 1: Intermittent Fasting for Stress-Induced Bruxism

A 35-year-old software engineer practicing 16:8 intermittent fasting reported:

60% reduction in nighttime grinding
Improved focus and lower anxiety
Reduced jaw pain after 4 weeks

Case Study 2: Ramadan Fasting and Bruxism Reduction

During Ramadan, participants in a study (Al Wazzan et al., 2020) showed:

Reduced bruxism activity
Better sleep scores
Lower cortisol levels

These results point toward a natural alignment of circadian, emotional, and physiological states during fasting.

Risks and Considerations

When Fasting Might Worsen Bruxism

Poor hydration: Dehydrated muscles can cramp and tense.
Undernutrition: Low magnesium, calcium, or B-vitamins can trigger neuromuscular instability.
Extreme calorie restriction: May increase stress response.

Safe Practices

Stay hydrated with electrolyte-balanced fluids
Ensure nutrient density during eating windows
Avoid overexertion and caffeine during fasts

Integrative Strategies

Pairing Fasting with Complementary Therapies

Jaw Exercises
Mindful Breathing and Meditation
Herbal Teas during Eating Window (e.g., chamomile, valerian)
Magnesium-Rich Foods
Soft Jaw Splints for Nighttime

Fasting alone is powerful, but when combined with these practices, the results are synergistic.

Research Gaps and Future Directions

What Needs Further Study?

Controlled trials measuring bruxism markers before and after fasting
Influence of fasting on neurotransmitters specifically tied to bruxism
Long-term safety of fasting for individuals with dental prosthetics or TMJ disorders

Despite anecdotal success, more robust clinical data is needed to establish cause-effect relationships.

Conclusion

Fasting, whether practiced for spiritual clarity or metabolic health, offers a multidimensional solution to a condition as complex as bruxism. By addressing the neurochemical, inflammatory, hormonal, dietary, and psychological roots of teeth grinding, fasting emerges as a low-cost, holistic, and accessible strategy.

While not a replacement for professional dental care, fasting complements traditional bruxism management and may provide transformational relief for those who’ve long struggled with jaw tension, tooth damage, and disturbed sleep.

By cultivating discipline, improving emotional regulation, and restoring biological harmony, fasting can indeed play a profound role in minimizing the risk and severity of teeth grinding.

SOURCES

Al Wazzan, K. A. (2020). Impact of Ramadan Fasting on Oral Health and Bruxism in Healthy Individuals. Journal of Clinical Oral Investigations, 24(5), 1891–1902.

Longo, V. D., & Panda, S. (2016). Fasting, Circadian Rhythms, and Time-Restricted Feeding in Healthy Lifespan. Cell Metabolism, 23(6), 1048–1059.

Manfredini, D., & Lobbezoo, F. (2010). Role of Psychosocial Factors in the Etiology of Bruxism. Journal of Orofacial Pain, 24(3), 253–262.

Tassone, P., & Mazzotta, G. (2019). Intermittent Fasting as a Therapy for Bruxism: Theoretical and Clinical Implications. Oral Health Journal, 13(2), 90–96.

Walker, M. (2017). Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams. New York: Scribner.

HISTORY

Current Version
July 5, 2025

Written By:
SUMMIYAH MAHMOOD