Can B12 deficiency cause bruxism? Unpacking the link between nutrients and teeth grinding

October 20, 2025 •

4 min read

Bruxism, or involuntary teeth grinding, affects an estimated 10-15% of the global population and is commonly linked to stress and anxiety. However, nutritional deficiencies, particularly in Vitamin B12, can also play a subtle yet significant role by impacting the nervous system and increasing susceptibility to stress.

Quick Summary

Bruxism is not directly caused by Vitamin B12 deficiency, but low B12 can contribute to the condition through neurological and psychological effects. Insufficient B12 can disrupt nerve function, heighten stress sensitivity, and lead to fatigue, all known triggers for teeth grinding and jaw clenching. Addressing potential nutrient gaps can be a key part of managing symptoms.

Key Points

Indirect Link: A direct cause-and-effect relationship between B12 deficiency and bruxism is not established, but an indirect link exists through its impact on the nervous system and stress.
Neurological Effects: Low Vitamin B12 levels can impair nerve function, causing symptoms like pins and needles, muscle weakness, and numbness that may contribute to jaw clenching.
Stress and Fatigue: B12 deficiency can heighten sensitivity to stress and cause chronic fatigue, which are both significant triggers for bruxism.
Holistic Treatment: Addressing bruxism effectively often requires a multi-pronged approach, including stress management, dental guards, and dietary adjustments, in addition to resolving any nutrient deficiencies.
Medical Consultation: It is essential to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis before starting any supplementation, as self-treating can be ineffective or mask other issues.
B12 Sources: Increasing B12 intake can involve consuming more animal products, fortified foods, or taking supplements under a doctor's guidance.

The indirect connection between Vitamin B12 and bruxism

Bruxism, the medical term for teeth grinding and jaw clenching, is a complex condition with multiple potential causes. While a direct, one-to-one causal relationship between Vitamin B12 deficiency and bruxism has not been definitively established, scientific understanding points to an important indirect link. Vitamin B12 is essential for maintaining a healthy nervous system, and a deficiency can lead to a host of neurological symptoms, as well as an increased sensitivity to stress and fatigue. These issues are all recognized triggers for bruxism.

For example, Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause nerve damage, which may manifest as tingling, numbness, or muscle weakness. When this affects the facial and jaw muscles, it could contribute to involuntary muscle activity associated with bruxism. Furthermore, the fatigue and psychological symptoms like anxiety and depression that accompany low B12 levels are major risk factors for teeth grinding. By affecting these mediating factors, a B12 deficiency can lower your body's ability to cope with stress and regulate muscle function, thereby potentially worsening or triggering bruxism.

How B12 deficiency impacts the nervous and muscular systems

Vitamin B12, or cobalamin, plays a critical role in nerve cell function and the production of DNA. A deficit disrupts the myelin sheath, the protective layer surrounding nerves, which can lead to faulty nerve signaling. This can cause neurological symptoms that directly or indirectly contribute to bruxism:

Peripheral Neuropathy: Nerve damage can lead to pins and needles or numbness, which could potentially affect the sensory feedback from the jaw and mouth, altering normal function.
Muscle Weakness and Coordination Problems: Impaired nerve communication can result in muscle weakness or poor physical coordination. In the context of bruxism, this could disrupt the precise muscular control required for a relaxed jaw, leading to clenching.
Psychological Effects: Fatigue, mood swings, anxiety, and depression are common symptoms of B12 deficiency. These psychological stressors are well-known triggers for bruxism, creating a clear link between a nutritional deficit and the physical habit.

Other common causes of bruxism

While nutrient deficiencies like low B12 can be a contributing factor, many other elements can cause or exacerbate teeth grinding. A comprehensive approach to managing bruxism requires considering all potential triggers.

Stress and Anxiety: This is often cited as the most common cause of bruxism, particularly during the day (awake bruxism).
Sleep Disorders: Conditions such as sleep apnea or other parasomnias can trigger sleep-related bruxism.
Medications: Certain antidepressants, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), have been linked to bruxism as a side effect.
Lifestyle Factors: High consumption of caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco are known risk factors.
Dental Factors: An abnormal bite or misaligned teeth can sometimes cause clenching or grinding.

Comparing potential bruxism causes


Cause	Impact on Bruxism	Typical Symptoms	Treatment Approach
B12 Deficiency	Indirectly through neurological disruption, heightened stress, and fatigue.	Numbness, tingling, fatigue, anxiety, depression, a sore tongue.	B12 supplementation (oral or injections) under medical guidance.
Stress/Anxiety	Directly triggers jaw clenching and teeth grinding as a coping mechanism.	Tension, irritability, difficulty concentrating, jaw pain.	Relaxation techniques, therapy, exercise, stress-management.
Sleep Disorders	Disrupted sleep patterns can lead to unconscious teeth grinding.	Snoring, waking with a sore jaw or headache, daytime sleepiness.	Sleep medicine specialist consultation, treating the underlying disorder.
Medication Side Effects	Certain drugs can cause involuntary movements, including jaw clenching.	Bruxism starts or worsens after beginning a new medication.	Consulting a doctor to adjust dosage or switch medications.

Diagnosis and treatment

If you suspect that your bruxism may be linked to a nutritional deficiency, it's crucial to consult a healthcare professional. A doctor can order blood tests to check your Vitamin B12 levels and rule out other potential causes. A deficiency may be addressed with oral supplements or, in more severe cases, injections. However, B12 supplementation is not a standalone cure for bruxism, and other management strategies will likely be necessary.

Treatment plans for bruxism often include multiple components:

Dental Appliances: A dentist may recommend a custom-fitted mouth guard or splint to protect teeth from the effects of grinding during sleep.
Stress Management: Relaxation techniques, cognitive behavioral therapy, and biofeedback can help manage the underlying stress and anxiety that contribute to the habit.
Behavioral Adjustments: For awake bruxism, becoming more aware of the habit and practicing proper jaw positioning can help.
Lifestyle Modifications: Reducing or eliminating caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco can help reduce bruxism frequency.

Increasing your Vitamin B12 intake

If a B12 deficiency is identified, increasing your intake can help address the neurological and psychological factors that may be contributing to bruxism. For most people, dietary changes are the first step, while those with malabsorption issues may require supplementation.

Here are some excellent sources of Vitamin B12:

Animal Products: Meat (especially beef liver and clams), fish (like salmon and tuna), eggs, and dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt) are all rich in B12.
Fortified Foods: Many breakfast cereals, plant-based milks, and nutritional yeast products are fortified with B12, making them a good option for vegans and vegetarians.
Oral Supplements: B12 supplements are available over the counter, and high-dose oral options can be as effective as injections for many people.

For more in-depth information on Vitamin B12, consult the National Institutes of Health fact sheet.

Conclusion

While a low Vitamin B12 level is not a direct cause of bruxism, it can certainly be a contributing factor. The deficiency's effects on the nervous system, stress response, and fatigue can increase the likelihood of teeth grinding. Managing bruxism effectively requires a holistic approach that may include dental protection, stress management, and addressing any underlying nutritional deficiencies. If you experience persistent bruxism, consulting with a healthcare provider is the best way to develop a comprehensive and effective treatment plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, low Vitamin B12 is not considered a direct or primary cause of bruxism. However, it can contribute indirectly by affecting your nervous system, increasing stress levels, and causing fatigue, all of which are known triggers for teeth grinding.

B12 deficiency can cause neurological symptoms like pins and needles or numbness in the extremities. It is also associated with psychological issues such as anxiety, depression, and increased fatigue, which are common risk factors for bruxism.

The only way to know is through a proper diagnosis from a healthcare provider. They can order a blood test

A B12 supplement might help if your deficiency is a contributing factor to your bruxism. However, it's rarely a complete cure on its own, and you will likely need to combine it with other treatments such as dental appliances, stress management, and lifestyle changes.

Bruxism is most commonly linked to stress and anxiety. Other causes can include sleep disorders (like sleep apnea), certain medications (e.g., SSRIs), high caffeine or alcohol intake, and misaligned teeth.

Excellent food sources of B12 include animal products like meat, fish (salmon, tuna), dairy, and eggs. For vegetarians and vegans, fortified cereals, nutritional yeast, and plant-based milks are good options.

You should consult a doctor to confirm the diagnosis with a blood test. If a deficiency is confirmed, they will recommend the appropriate treatment, which may include oral supplements or injections, along with dietary advice.