Is the pain/discomfort from bruxism strictly due to unconscious mechanical events or can it have hormonal influence aswel? [medical student]

yes: Bruxism can have both a conscious and an unconscious component. While stress and high levels of hormonal activity can cause periodontal or gum problems and when combined with bruxism there can be an increased impact on the gum and bone, by itself hormonal activity does not directly impact bruxism.

Qualified No: If the pain is from bruxisim this is a local event with possible general consequences. It is not always unconscious but is most often nocturnal, due to an imbalance in the occlusion. Hormonal imbalance may enter into the picture if stress is induced and causes the individual to brux. A great percentage of bruxism is caused by emotional stress.L.

Sleep apnea: Nocturnal bruxism is also related to sleep apnea. Grinding the teeth while trying to breathe and the pain can be associated to the low oxygen levels the occur.

Pain from bruxism: Bruxism (chronic grinding and/or clenching the teeth) can cause pain in many areas: teeth, TMJ and the surrounding muscles and ligaments, ears, neck, shoulders, and chronic or migraine headaches. Bruxism is usually a stress-related habit, but can also be the result of bad occlusion or uneven bite. Bruxism usually occurs during sleep, but can also occur during waking, especially during high stress.