Restless Legs and Teeth Grinding: Is There a Link?

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a sleep movement disorder that causes uncomfortable feelings in the legs and strong urges to move them. This can result in difficulty sleeping, daytime sleepiness, and anxiety or depression. RLS is more common in older adults, but it can affect people at any age.^1-3

Other symptoms of RLS are less well-known and understood than the characteristic leg movements. Teeth grinding at night may be a possible symptom of RLS. Teeth grinding can cause its own set of side effects, but understanding the connection to RLS could lead to a treatment.^4-6

Why is teeth grinding or clenching a problem?

Teeth grinding or clenching at night affects about 10 percent of people. It can cause side effects such as head, jaw, or face pain, along with trouble sleeping. Severe cases can also cause dental problems. This can result in worn-down teeth, or even broken teeth or fillings.^5,7

Doctors do not know the exact causes of nighttime teeth grinding. Experts think stress and anxiety can cause or worsen it. It is also linked to a type of antidepressant drug known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Currently, there are no medicines commonly used to treat teeth grinding. The most common treatment is wearing a mouth guard to reduce the impact of side effects.^4,5,7

Restless legs syndrome and teeth grinding

RLS and teeth grinding and clenching may be linked. They are both classified as movement disorders, and they both worsen at night. Also, other sleep disorders like sleep apnea and sleep paralysis have been linked to teeth grinding. Because of these similarities, researchers have studied the possible link between teeth grinding and RLS.^5,7

A 2013 study of people with RLS found that about 40 percent experienced teeth grinding. Another study in 2019 found that about 33 percent of people with RLS experience teeth grinding and clenching. The connection between RLS and teeth grinding is still not certain. However, it has led researchers to consider possible medical treatment for teeth grinding.^4,5

Possible treatment for teeth grinding associated with RLS

This link means that teeth grinding related to RLS may be treated with the same type of drug used to treat RLS. This drug is known as a dopamine agonist (DA). DAs are very effective at treating RLS in the short-term, but they can worsen RLS symptoms when used for long periods. Doctors still do not know for sure if DAs can help treat teeth grinding related to RLS.²

Two studies found that treatment with DAs improved symptoms for people with teeth grinding and RLS. About 66 percent of people with both symptoms experienced improvements. However, another study from 2016 found that a specific DA called pramipexole did not improve teeth grinding.^4-6

The possible connection between RLS and teeth grinding is still unproven. The link has the potential to help those experiencing teeth grinding. It is important for doctors and researchers to continue studying these possible connections before deciding on a certain treatment.

When to see a doctor

If you think you experience teeth grinding as a symptom of RLS, you may want to contact your doctor or dentist. Consider reaching out if your teeth feel damaged or sensitive, your partner hears you grind in your sleep, or you experience face or jaw pain. The connection to RLS needs more research, but the existing treatments for teeth grinding can help you now.⁷