Does Vitamin D Stop Teeth Grinding? A Look at the Evidence

January 10, 2026 •

4 min read

According to a 2021 case-control study, individuals with sleep bruxism were significantly more likely to have a vitamin D deficiency compared to healthy controls. This suggests a potential link between low vitamin D levels and teeth grinding, but it does not prove that one causes the other.

Quick Summary

The link between vitamin D and teeth grinding, or bruxism, is indirect, with deficiencies potentially worsening risk factors like muscle tension, stress, and sleep quality. While supplementing may help, it is not a cure and should be part of a broader strategy that addresses the condition's multiple root causes.

Key Points

Indirect Link: Vitamin D does not directly stop teeth grinding, but a deficiency can worsen risk factors like muscle tension, anxiety, and poor sleep, which in turn exacerbate bruxism.
Supports Neuromuscular Function: Vitamin D aids in proper muscle function and nerve signaling; low levels can lead to muscle tension in the jaw, increasing the likelihood of clenching.
Assists Mood Regulation: Low vitamin D is associated with heightened stress and anxiety, major triggers for bruxism. Correcting a deficiency may help regulate mood and reduce stress-induced grinding.
Improves Sleep Quality: Since poor sleep is both a cause and effect of bruxism, the ability of vitamin D to positively influence sleep quality can indirectly help reduce nighttime grinding.
Holistic Treatment is Best: Relying solely on vitamin D supplements is not a cure. The most effective approach involves a combination of strategies, including stress management, mouthguards, and jaw exercises, alongside nutritional support.
Other Nutrients Matter: Other nutrients, particularly magnesium and calcium, also play a vital role in muscle and nerve function and are important to consider in a comprehensive treatment plan for bruxism.

What is Bruxism?

Bruxism is the medical term for the grinding, clenching, or gnashing of teeth. It often occurs unconsciously during sleep but can also happen while awake. The condition can lead to a variety of painful and damaging side effects if left unchecked. Symptoms can include sore jaw muscles, headaches, earaches, and worn-down or chipped tooth enamel. Its causes are often multi-factorial, stemming from a combination of physical, psychological, and genetic factors.

The Indirect Connection Between Vitamin D and Bruxism

There is no concrete scientific evidence that a lack of vitamin D directly causes teeth grinding. However, a deficiency in this essential nutrient may worsen several well-established risk factors for bruxism, creating an indirect link. The connection is multifaceted, involving effects on the muscles, nervous system, and psychological well-being.

Here’s a breakdown of the indirect link:

Muscle function: Vitamin D plays a crucial role in neuromuscular function, helping muscles to contract and relax properly. Low vitamin D levels have been associated with muscle weakness and tension. If the jaw muscles are affected, this increased tension could contribute to clenching and grinding. A sufficient level of vitamin D, paired with other minerals like magnesium, is vital for proper muscle and nerve synergy.
Stress and mood regulation: Low vitamin D status is linked to increased anxiety and depression. High stress and anxiety levels are among the most common triggers for teeth grinding. By helping to regulate mood, adequate vitamin D could potentially reduce bruxism that is caused by psychological factors.
Sleep quality: Poor sleep is both a symptom and a trigger for bruxism. Vitamin D deficiency has been shown to affect sleep quality, a factor known to contribute to nocturnal grinding. By supporting better sleep, sufficient vitamin D levels can help address one of the key instigators of sleep bruxism.

A Deeper Dive into the Research

While a definitive causal link is still under investigation, several studies have explored the association between vitamin D deficiency and bruxism, primarily focusing on sleep bruxism:

Case-controlled study (2021): A study involving 50 individuals with sleep bruxism and 50 controls found that participants with bruxism had significantly lower serum vitamin D levels. The study concluded that sleep bruxism was associated with vitamin D deficiency, as well as low calcium consumption and higher scores for anxiety and depression. The researchers recommended further investigation into whether supplementation could provide relief.
Observational studies: Several studies have found associations between lower vitamin D levels and muscle weakness and performance issues, especially in older adults. This reinforces the biological plausibility that a deficiency could impact jaw muscles, potentially contributing to bruxism.

However, it's important to understand the limitations. The evidence remains observational, and correlation does not equal causation. For many people, bruxism is a multifactorial issue, meaning that addressing one potential factor, like a vitamin D deficiency, might not be a complete solution on its own.

How Vitamin D and Other Nutrients Compare for Bruxism


Nutrient	Role in the Body	Effect on Bruxism (Potential)	Evidence Level
Vitamin D	Regulates neuromuscular function, calcium absorption, mood, and sleep	May alleviate bruxism indirectly by improving muscle function, mood, and sleep quality	Observational studies link deficiency with bruxism, but causation is not proven
Magnesium	Aids in muscle relaxation and nerve function; calms the nervous system	Can reduce muscle cramps and jaw tension, a direct contributor to clenching	Strong anecdotal support; some research suggests a link between deficiency and muscle hyperactivity
Calcium	Works with vitamin D for healthy nerve and muscle function	Deficiency is associated with jaw spasms and clenching	Primarily associated with vitamin D, impacting neuromuscular function
B Vitamins	Support brain and nerve health; help manage stress	May help lower stress and anxiety, common bruxism triggers	Generally known for nerve health, indirectly supporting a reduction in stress-related bruxism

Beyond Supplements: A Holistic Approach to Managing Bruxism

Given that bruxism is often caused by multiple factors, a comprehensive management plan is most effective. Simply taking a vitamin D supplement is unlikely to be a cure, especially if other causes are at play. An effective strategy should integrate nutritional support with behavioral and dental interventions.

Here are some proven strategies to help stop teeth grinding:

Manage stress: Since stress and anxiety are leading causes, relaxation techniques are critical. Consider meditation, deep breathing exercises, yoga, or professional counseling, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), to help identify and manage stress triggers.
Use a mouthguard: A custom-fitted mouthguard or dental splint can create a physical barrier between the teeth, protecting them from damage caused by clenching and grinding. This is a primary treatment for many severe cases.
Improve sleep hygiene: Establish a consistent and relaxing bedtime routine to promote better sleep quality. Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco in the evening.
Perform jaw exercises: Simple stretches can help relax the jaw muscles and release tension. A physical therapist can provide specific exercises to strengthen and stretch the jaw muscles.
Limit stimulants: Reduce consumption of caffeine and alcohol, especially in the hours leading up to sleep, as they can worsen bruxism.
Consider Botox: In severe cases that don't respond to other treatments, a dentist may recommend botulinum toxin (Botox) injections into the jaw muscles to temporarily relax them and reduce clenching strength.

Conclusion

While vitamin D does not directly stop teeth grinding, maintaining sufficient levels can play a supporting role by addressing contributing factors like muscle tension, stress, and poor sleep. A 2021 study highlighted a significant association between vitamin D deficiency and bruxism, underscoring its relevance in overall health related to the condition. However, a multifaceted approach is most effective for long-term management. Integrating nutritional support with stress-reduction techniques, dental mouthguards, and improved sleep habits addresses the various potential causes of bruxism more effectively than focusing on a single supplement alone. Anyone with concerns about bruxism should consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

For more in-depth information on managing jaw pain and muscle tension, resources like the Cleveland Clinic's guide on bruxism are invaluable.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, it is highly unlikely. Bruxism is considered a multifactorial condition caused by a combination of physical, psychological, and genetic factors. A vitamin D deficiency may be a contributing factor, but it is rarely the only cause.

Vitamin D plays a critical role in neuromuscular function, including proper muscle contraction and relaxation. A deficiency can lead to muscle weakness and tension, which can manifest in the jaw muscles, potentially contributing to clenching and grinding.

In addition to vitamin D and calcium, magnesium is particularly important as it helps relax muscles and calm the nervous system. B vitamins, which support nerve health and manage stress, can also be beneficial.

While supplementing with vitamin D may alleviate some of the contributing factors to bruxism, it is not a guaranteed cure. It is most effective as part of a comprehensive strategy that also includes managing stress, addressing sleep issues, and possibly using a mouthguard.

Yes, indirectly. Low vitamin D levels have been linked to higher anxiety and depression. Since stress and anxiety are major triggers for bruxism, improving your vitamin D status can help regulate mood and potentially reduce stress-related grinding.

It may be a good idea to discuss getting your vitamin D levels checked with a healthcare professional, especially if you have other symptoms like chronic fatigue, muscle weakness, or frequent infections.

Some of the most effective treatments for bruxism include custom-fitted mouthguards, stress-reduction techniques, cognitive behavioral therapy, and biofeedback. Addressing nutritional deficiencies is a complementary strategy.