Grinding & Clenching
Do you catch yourself sometimes clenching your teeth together when stressed?
Do you wake up in the mornings with an aching jaw?
Has your dentist ever mentioned that your teeth show signs of wear from grinding?
Teeth grinding (known as bruxism) can happen while you are awake or asleep, and is not always something you are aware of. If you have jaw pain, our physiotherapists will assess whether grinding is a factor. If you know you grind your teeth but do not have any jaw pain, it is still important to address as bruxism can affect the muscles around your jaw and the alignment of your teeth and TMJs, with studies showing a link between teeth grinding and the development or aggravation of TMJ disorders.
Teeth grinding and clenching can be addressed in a variety of ways, such as your dentist providing you with a splint, or your doctor investigating and managing sleep disorders such as sleep apnoea. Our physiotherapists can provide advice, exercises, and manual therapy to help address underlying mechanical issues, and our psychologists can assist you to incorporate strategies that improve your sleep and stress management.