A new clue about bruxism. A neurology practice noted that of its patients who had restless legs syndrome (RLS), 60% also had bruxism (grinding teeth during sleep). Eighty-three percent had RLS and migraines, and 52% had RLS, migraines, and bruxism. Do you relate? The lead neurologist for this study speculated there is a gene that … Continue reading Treating TMJ issues: restless legs and sleep bruxism
Category: referrals
I’ve learned that some widely used medications can cause jaw clenching and grinding as side effects. The best known are in a class called SSRIs, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, commonly prescribed for depression and/or anxiety. I'm sure you've heard of Prozac (generic name fluoxetine). Here are some other SSRIs that can cause bruxism. There may … Continue reading Treating TMJ Issues: some medications cause jaw clenching
You have nine jaw muscles: two pairs of large ones on the outside of your head (the masseters and temporalises), four small ones inside your mouth (two medial pterygoids and two lateral pterygoids), and one in the floor of your mouth (digastric). Any of them can get trigger points. What is a trigger point? It’s … Continue reading Treating TMJ issues: releasing trigger points in your jaw muscles
I'm getting referrals for craniosacral therapy for people who have had concussions, and I want to help these folks recover. Not knowing what a doctor may have told them but knowing how busy most doctors are, I am providing information here that may help injured brains recover more quickly. If your doctor tells you something … Continue reading Post-concussion self-care