In every TMJ consultation that I do, I ask about clenching. I consider it to be an important factor that contributes to jaw tension, which I treat with manual therapy. Clenching is a habit that people do unconsciously, and most of the people who come to me for TMJ relief consultations and sessions clench and/or … Continue reading Treating TMJ Issues: you can learn to stop clenching
Tag: clenching
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
Based on patients I’ve seen for jaw pain since 2013, I created this portrait of a typical patient. And of course, I’ve seen other patients who don’t fit these criteria. She’s female. It's been said that women are nine times more likely to suffer from jaw pain. She first experienced jaw pain in her teen … Continue reading Treating TMJ issues: portrait of a typical patient
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
A reader asked about grinding the teeth during sleep (night bruxism). Sleep labs have begun to investigate this. They found that about 1 in 4 people with sleep apnea also grind their teeth while sleeping. When the apnea is treated, the bruxism goes away. So..if you grind, consider going to a sleep lab. Most people … Continue reading Treating TMJ issues: reducing night grinding