How to Stop Clenching Jaw: Effective Techniques and Remedies
By Dr. Aastha Manchanda +2 more
Medically reviewed by Dr. Aastha Manchanda
Last updated: Apr 17, 2024Click to rate this article!
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By Dr. Aastha Manchanda +2 more
Medically reviewed by Dr. Aastha Manchanda
Last updated: Apr 17, 2024Table of Contents
Jaw clenching, often called bruxism, is a common and hard-to-control habit. It can harm your oral health and overall wellness. In this article, we’ll share a detailed guide on jaw clenching – its signs and reasons. Also, we’ll learn how dental and other methods can help prevent it and improve your quality of life.
Common signs of jaw clenching are:
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A complete check-up by a dentist or health care provider may involve:
Figuring out the reason behind your jaw clenching is vital for the right management plan. Some causes of bruxism include:
Mouthguards or occlusal splints are tools to keep your teeth safe from harm by jaw clenching and grinding. These act as physical barriers that prevent constant contact between the opposing teeth.
You can get custom-made mouthguards or store-bought (OTC) ones.
Reductive coronoplasty is a dental method used to shape or even out the biting parts of your teeth. Having misaligned or overcrowded teeth can lead to jaw clenching; reductive coronoplasty could be effective in these cases. In this method, a dentist reshapes or lowers the interfering teeth. This gives a balanced bite and lowers damage risk due to grinding.
Your eating, drinking and smoking habits can all affect jaw clenching. Consider kicking the smoking habit, as it may worsen the situation. Also, be mindful of your alcohol intake, as excessive drinking might amplify jaw clenching. And, ease up on gum and hard foods. Give these adjustments a try, and hopefully, you’ll experience some relief from jaw clenching!
Dr. Siddharth Gupta, MD
Botox shots may help relax the jaw muscles and lessen teeth grinding in some cases. A professional can give the Botox right into the masseter, which is the main muscle attached to the jaw and moves it. Although Botox does not heal bruxism, it can lighten the load on the jaw muscles. It also reduces grinding and headache symptoms. But keep in mind that Botox shots may need to be done again and its effects only last for about four months. It’s best to discuss the pros and cons of using Botox for bruxism treatment with your doctor.
Biofeedback therapy teaches people how to control their jaw muscle movement using a monitor. It also needs visual, vibratory, or sound feedback. Studies show biofeedback can benefit in the short term when combined with an electrical stimulator. Still, more research is needed to confirm its long-term gains.
Stress, worry, and other emotional issues may lead to jaw clenching. So, tackling these problems may help treat bruxism. Some helpful methods are:
Your healthcare provider may suggest drugs such as antidepressants, anti-anxiety pills, or muscle relaxers to handle stress, worry, and other emotions leading to your jaw clenching.
In my experience, I have observed that individuals with hyperactive and aggressive personalities often present with teeth clenching.
Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS
Sleep apnea has been tied to bruxism. This sleep problem causes breathing to stop during sleep. Addressing sleep apnea might help get better sleep and aid in improving sleep-related bruxism.
Getting good sleep is key for managing bruxism and sleep issues such as sleep apnea. Some sleep tips include:
Adding daily ways to reduce stress may lessen jaw clenching. It can also enhance your overall wellness. Some effective ways are:
Doing meditation may help reduce stress, worry, and sadness. Try getting a meditation app or join a local group.
Often doing yoga is believed to reduce stress and depression. You may look for a yoga class that fits your timing and interests.
Regular aerobic workout may lessen stress by giving off endorphins or “feel-good” hormones. Start with easy activities like walking or gardening. Then, gradually move on to more upbeat activities like running or swimming.
Adding daily jaw rest workouts may help manage bruxism signs. It strengthens facial muscles. This helps keep the jaw alignment perfect. Here are some workouts to try:
If you think your jaw clenching is causing major pain or damage to your teeth and jaw, see a dental health provider for a proper check-up and diagnosis.
Before your visit, prepare a list of:
Think of a few questions for your dentist or doctor. You could ask:
Also, be ready to answer questions your doctor might have about your signs. They’ll ask how these relate to your jaw clenching.
Jaw clenching is common. It can lead to discomfort, pain, and harm to oral health. From dental processes and non-dental treatments to stress relief methods, there are many ways to fight jaw clenching. If you understand the signs, symptoms, and causes of bruxism, you can take the needed steps to manage and reduce this issue in a better way. With an expert’s advice, you can find the most appropriate ways to stop clenching your jaw. This will boost your oral and overall health. Don’t wait to ask for help if you find any signs linked to jaw clenching. Early help can keep away long-term issues and improve your quality of life.
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To stop unconsciously clenching your jaw, think of doing stress relief methods like meditation, yoga, or regular exercise. Ask a dentist or healthcare provider about dental treatments or therapies, such as using a mouthguard or undergoing biofeedback therapy.
There are many reasons why you could be clenching your jaw, like stress, worry, sleep problems, and certain drugs. Knowing the root cause of your bruxism can help you choose the best treatment way.
Perform jaw rest and muscle workouts like the relaxed jaw stretch, goldfish workout, and mouth opening with resistance. These workouts can help make facial muscles strong. They may also keep your jaw alignment right, which can reduce clenching.
To stop clenching your jaw, work on the root issue, keep good oral health, wear a mouthguard if needed, and do exercises to rest and strengthen the jaw muscles. Seeing a dentist or healthcare provider can help you create a personalized plan to stop clenching and boost your oral health.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
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