Modafinil teeth grinding is not a prevalent adverse effect of the Nootropic and is reported to affect 0.27% of its users. It is more common in women and can cause tooth sensitivity by wearing off the enamel.
Modafinil tooth grinding, also known as Bruxism, is one of its most debated adverse effects. It is a condition resulting in clenching, gnashing, and grinding of your teeth that may result in dental health issues. Its infrequent occurrence makes most people question its severity and causes of development.
This blog assesses the causes and treatment for Modafinil teeth grinding and helps readers efficiently prevent it.
Modafinil Teeth Grinding- An Overview
Modafinil is a wake-promoting compound with a similar clinical profile as conventional stimulants. It selectively improves cognition and neuropsychological task performance [1]. Modafinil teeth grinding is one of the noted adverse effects of the Nootropic that influences users' oral health.
Teeth grinding or bruxism is a repetitive jaw muscle activity often
characterized by teeth clenching [2]. Drug-induced bruxism, especially from Modafinil or its brand version, such as Modalert 200mg, is not severe and usually lessens once the Nootropic's effect is worn out.
The half-life of Modafinil is 12 to 15 hours; therefore, in most people, Modafinil teeth grinding may last for about 24 hours. The condition may completely resolve once the treatment is discontinued.
A study states that people who drink and are recreational drug users are more likely to grind their teeth [3]. Such people should not order Modalert or other Modafinil brands without consulting a doctor, as they are at a higher risk of experiencing teeth grinding along with other adverse effects.
How Does Modafinil Cause Teeth Grinding?
Modafinil teeth grinding is not a common side effect and is only experienced by a few users. Some people may not encounter any adverse effects, whereas others may notice they are often grinding their teeth when on Modafinil.
So, how does Modafinil causes Teeth grinding?
Modafinil is a brain stimulant that causes teeth grinding and decreases the saliva resulting in a dry mouth. It activates the sympathetic nervous system of the individual, which is a part of the nervous system that responds to stress. Modafinil teeth grinding and clenching are associated with lower parasympathetic and higher sympathetic action [4].
After extensively using Modafinil for several years, a user reports experiencing fractures on the lower teeth from jaw cleaning [5].
It is essential to note that Modafinil is not an amphetamine (stimulant) that is associated with various dental disorders such as tooth decay and gum disease.
How Does Bruxism Impact Our Oral Health?
Frequent teeth clenching and grinding can wear off the surface of the tooth, thus resulting in enamel loss and increased tooth sensitivity. Some of the symptoms of Modafinil teeth grinding include [6]-
- Sensitive teeth
- Loose tooth
- Stiffness in the jaw
- Toothache
- Stiffness of the temples and face after waking up.
It is important to note that Modafinil teeth grinding varies from general bruxism, as these signs are not visible only after administering Modafinil dosage.
Modafinil teeth grinding may cause cracked enamel, enlargement of the jaw muscle, and broken teeth. Modafinil headache is also common in people experiencing grinding and clenching from the Nootropic.
Clinical Studies Evaluating The Occurrence Of Modafinil Teeth Grinding
A phase IV clinical study by the FDA demonstrates that Modafinil teeth grinding and clenching is more frequent among women aged 30 to 39 who administer the Nootropic for more than a month.
The survey indicates that between the years 2005 to 2022, 46 people out of 16746 individuals suffered from Modafinil teeth grinding, making this condition infrequent and sporadic [7].
The study also exhibits the following facts on Modafinil potency to cause bruxism-
- 76.9% of females experienced Modafinil teeth grinding, whereas 23.91% were seen in males.
- It is more prevalent in people administering the Nootropic for less than a month.
- People aged 30 to 39 years are more vulnerable to experiencing bruxism.
Anecdotal Evidence Of Modafinil Dental Issues
Reviews and anecdotal information by avid users on Reddit indicate the possibility of experiencing Modafinil teeth cleaning and grinding [8].
A user taking Modafinil reports experiencing severe jaw clenching in the morning within a few hours after administering which was accompanied by soreness in the jaw [9].
Most people encountering Modafinil teeth grinding don't categorize it as having severe or life-altering adverse effects. It usually goes away once you discontinue the treatment or incorporate other lifestyle modifications.
How To Stop Modafinil Teeth Grinding?
To mitigate the issue of Modafinil teeth grinding, the following steps can be helpful.
Lowering the dosage-
If you wish to lower the possibility of cleaning and grinding without affecting the cognitive benefit of the nootropic, the best way to do so would be by reducing the dosage. The standard dose of Modafinil brand Modalert and its generic version is 200mg which should be taken once in the morning. If you are encountering bruxism from Modalert 200mg, it is recommended to consult a doctor immediately.
Getting a Mouth guard-
A good mouth guard will help prevent your teeth from grinding and relieve any jaw pain resulting from continuous clenching and grinding.
Jaw muscle exercise-
Practicing tongue and jaw muscle exercises helps relax them and maintain proper alignment.
Relax your jaw by opening your mouth and touching your tongue to your front teeth. Say the letter "N" that will help in keeping your top and bottom teeth from touching [10].
Some other ways to prevent or improve Modafinil teeth grinding, as recommended by a user on Reddit, indicate lowering the dosage along with trying protein and magnesium supplements with essential amino acids [8].
Modafinil Teeth - Our Final Verdict
Modafinil teeth grinding is rare and is not reported by the FDA as its predominant adverse effects. A study indicates its possibility of occurrence is 0.27 percent and is more prevalent in women between 30 to 39 years.
Teeth grinding or bruxism can affect your oral health by depleting the tooth enamel and causing tooth sensitivity, pain, and stiffness in the jaw. It can be prevented or improved by lowering the dosage, practicing jaw exercises, and getting a good mouth guard.