Why do old people keep moving their jaws? Understanding the causes

According to the National Institutes of Health, age-related changes can affect jaw sensorimotor control, leading to involuntary movements. This phenomenon, often observed as repetitive chewing or jaw motions, has several potential causes that are essential for caregivers and family members to understand, addressing the question: why do old people keep moving their jaws?

Quick Summary

Repetitive jaw movement in seniors, often called involuntary chewing, can result from various factors, including ill-fitting dentures, medication side effects like tardive dyskinesia, neurological conditions such as dementia, and general changes in oral motor function due to aging. Addressing these issues often requires a professional medical evaluation.

Key Points

• Tardive Dyskinesia: A major cause of involuntary chewing, TD is a side effect of long-term use of certain antipsychotic medications and can result in repetitive facial movements.

• Poorly Fitting Dentures: An extremely common and straightforward reason for jaw movement, as individuals subconsciously adjust to an uncomfortable fit.

• Neurological Conditions: Diseases like dementia can cause motor control issues, leading to erratic or repetitive jaw motions.

• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): A common side effect of medication, dry mouth can prompt seniors to move their jaw to stimulate saliva flow and relieve discomfort.

• Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders: The breakdown of joint cartilage with age can lead to misalignment and dysfunction, causing clicking and pain.

• Dental Issues: Beyond dentures, missing teeth or gum disease can affect the jaw's resting position and stability, leading to subconscious jaw movement.

Understanding involuntary jaw movements in older adults

Involuntary jaw movements in older adults can be a source of concern and curiosity for family members and caregivers. This action, which may resemble chewing or grinding, can stem from a variety of medical, dental, and neurological causes. While it's sometimes a harmless habit, it can also be a symptom of an underlying health condition that needs attention. This article explores the common reasons behind this phenomenon and provides insight into when to seek professional medical advice.

Dental-related issues

One of the most straightforward explanations for repetitive jaw motions is related to oral health and dental prosthetics. The aging process affects the entire body, and the mouth is no exception. Dental issues can significantly impact a senior's oral comfort and function.

• Ill-fitting dentures: Dentures that don't fit properly are a very common cause of this issue. They can cause discomfort, and the individual may subconsciously move their jaw to try and find a more comfortable position. As the gums and jawbone change shape over time, dentures that once fit perfectly may become loose and cause problems.
• Missing teeth: For those without dentures, the loss of teeth can lead to an unstable bite. This can cause the jaw to move erratically as the person tries to find a resting position for their jaw. The absence of natural teeth affects the structure and balance of the mouth, leading to unusual jaw kinematics.
• Dry mouth (xerostomia): Many medications common among seniors can cause a dry mouth. Reduced saliva production can make the mouth feel dry and sticky, and moving the jaw can be an unconscious effort to stimulate saliva flow or alleviate the discomfort.
• Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorders: The TMJ is the hinge connecting the jaw to the skull. As we age, the cartilage can wear down, leading to inflammation, pain, and restricted movement. In some cases, this can lead to clicking, popping, or other irregular jaw movements.

Neurological and medication-induced causes

Beyond dental problems, several medical conditions and medications can cause involuntary oral movements. These are often more complex and require a healthcare professional's diagnosis.

• Tardive dyskinesia (TD): This is a serious condition characterized by involuntary, repetitive body movements. It is often a side effect of long-term use of certain antipsychotic and other dopamine-blocking medications. Movements can include lip-smacking, tongue-protrusion, grimacing, and repetitive chewing or jaw movements. Early detection is crucial, as the condition can become permanent if not addressed.
• Dementia and Alzheimer's disease: Neurological conditions like dementia can affect the areas of the brain that control motor functions, including the mouth and jaw. This can lead to a variety of oral-motor dysfunctions, such as involuntary chewing, known as phantom chewing. It's often a symptom of the disease's progression.
• Essential tremor: While typically associated with shaking hands, essential tremor can also affect the jaw and head. This is a progressive nervous system disorder that can cause rhythmic, involuntary shaking.
• Medication side effects (other than TD): Aside from dopamine-blocking agents, some other medications, such as certain antidepressants or anti-nausea drugs, can also cause involuntary oral movements as a side effect.

Psychological and habitual factors

In some cases, the cause of repetitive jaw movement is not purely physical but may have a psychological or habitual component.

• Stress and anxiety: High levels of stress or anxiety can lead to subconscious habits like jaw clenching or repetitive movements. This can be exacerbated in seniors dealing with the challenges of aging.
• Habitual behavior: Sometimes, the movement may start for a medical reason but persist as a learned habit even after the initial cause has been resolved.

Comparison of potential causes

To help differentiate between the various possibilities, here is a comparison of some key factors. It's important to remember that this table is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for a professional medical diagnosis.

Feature	Dental Problems	Tardive Dyskinesia (TD)	Dementia-Related	Stress/Habitual
Onset	Gradual, often with dental changes	Can be gradual, linked to medication	Often progressive over time	Varies; can be linked to specific events
Movement Type	May be subtle, seeking comfort/balance	Repetitive, involuntary; often includes other facial movements	Often disorganized or repetitive "phantom chewing"	Varies; clenching, grinding
Associated Symptoms	Pain, clicking jaw, dry mouth	Grimacing, lip-smacking, tongue protrusion	Memory loss, cognitive decline, confusion	Anxiety, tension, teeth grinding at night
Trigger	Poorly fitting dentures, missing teeth	Long-term use of certain medications	Neurological changes in the brain	Stressful situations, heightened anxiety
Remedies	Dental adjustment, new dentures, addressing dry mouth	Medication review and potential change	Addressing underlying dementia; supportive care	Stress management techniques, awareness

What can you do?

If you observe a senior exhibiting repetitive jaw movements, the first step is to consult with a healthcare provider. A doctor can rule out serious medical conditions and determine the underlying cause. Here are some steps you can take:

1. Schedule a dental checkup: Start with a visit to the dentist to address any potential oral health issues. They can check the fit of dentures, assess for dry mouth, and examine for TMJ disorders.
2. Review medications: Provide the doctor with a complete list of all medications the individual is taking. This is particularly important for checking for medications linked to tardive dyskinesia.
3. Monitor patterns: Keep a journal of when the jaw movements occur. Note if they happen during certain activities, after meals, or in stressful situations. This information can be very helpful for the doctor.
4. Consider support groups: If the issue is related to a neurological condition like dementia, joining a caregiver support group can provide valuable insights and coping strategies. Organizations like the Alzheimer's Association are an excellent resource for this. Learn more about the symptoms and progression of dementia from authoritative sources like the Alzheimer's Association.
5. Focus on stress reduction: For habit-related movements, gentle reminders or engaging in calming activities can help. Mindfulness exercises, listening to soothing music, or gentle massage of the jaw can sometimes alleviate tension.

Conclusion

Repetitive jaw movement in seniors is a symptom with multiple potential causes, ranging from the mundane to the serious. From the simple fix of adjusting dentures to the complex management of tardive dyskinesia or dementia, understanding the root of the problem is key. By observing patterns, seeking professional medical and dental advice, and providing compassionate care, you can help address the issue and improve the senior's overall quality of life. Awareness and vigilance are your most important tools in this process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is involuntary jaw movement in the elderly always a sign of a serious illness?

No, while it can be a symptom of a serious condition like tardive dyskinesia or dementia, it can also be caused by simpler, non-life-threatening issues such as ill-fitting dentures, dry mouth, or anxiety. A medical evaluation is necessary for an accurate diagnosis.

What is tardive dyskinesia and how is it related to jaw movement?

Tardive dyskinesia (TD) is a neurological syndrome caused by long-term use of dopamine-blocking agents, primarily antipsychotic medications. It causes involuntary, repetitive body movements, with the jaw and mouth being a very common area affected, leading to lip-smacking, chewing motions, and tongue protrusion.

Can ill-fitting dentures cause old people to keep moving their jaws?

Yes, poorly fitting or loose dentures are one of the most common reasons. The individual may be unconsciously moving their jaw to hold the dentures in place or find a more comfortable position, which can become a habit.

What should I do if I notice an elderly person constantly moving their jaw?

The best first step is to consult their healthcare provider. They can perform an assessment, review medications, and check for underlying medical issues. A dental checkup is also highly recommended to rule out oral health problems.

Are there medications that can help with tardive dyskinesia-related jaw movements?

Yes, there are medications specifically approved for treating tardive dyskinesia. A doctor may also adjust the dosage or type of the medication that is causing the side effect. Always follow medical advice regarding medication changes.

Can stress and anxiety cause involuntary jaw movements in seniors?

Yes, psychological factors like stress and anxiety can lead to jaw clenching (bruxism) and other repetitive muscle movements, which can manifest as constant jaw movement. Stress management techniques may be beneficial in these cases.

How can dry mouth contribute to jaw movements in older adults?

Dry mouth, or xerostomia, can be caused by various medications and aging. The lack of saliva can cause a sticky, uncomfortable feeling in the mouth. A person might move their jaw in an attempt to stimulate saliva production and relieve the discomfort.