Do you wake up with a tired jaw, facial tension, or headaches? Bruxism, commonly known as teeth grinding or clenching, may be contributing to these symptoms.
Repeated clenching keeps the jaw muscles working for longer than they should. Over time, this can contribute to muscle fatigue, tenderness, and discomfort around the jaw and temples.
Bruxism is the repeated grinding or clenching of the teeth. It can happen while you are awake or during sleep.
Some people may not realize they are clenching their teeth until they notice symptoms such as:
– Jaw tightness or fatigue
– Tenderness around the cheeks or temples
– Morning headaches
– Tooth sensitivity or wear
– Jaw clicking or discomfort
– Difficulty relaxing the jaw
The masseter muscle is one of the primary muscles responsible for closing the jaw. It works whenever you bite or clench your teeth.
With repeated or prolonged clenching, the masseter remains active for extended periods. This increased muscle activity can contribute to fatigue, tightness, and tenderness around the jaw.
The temporalis is a broad muscle located on the side of the skull near the temples. It also helps elevate and control the jaw.
When clenching occurs frequently, the temporalis may remain active for longer periods. This can contribute to tension around the temples and may be associated with headaches in some people.
Your jaw muscles are designed for repeated movement, but constant clenching is different from normal chewing.
When muscles stay contracted for prolonged periods, they may become fatigued and uncomfortable. Stress, certain habits, sleep-related factors, and other conditions can contribute to bruxism.
Physical therapy may help address muscle tension, jaw mobility, and movement coordination when appropriate.
Treatment may include:
– Gentle manual therapy
– Jaw and neck mobility exercises
– Relaxation techniques
– Postural education
– Muscle coordination exercises
– Personalized home exercises
A physical therapist can assess jaw and surrounding muscle function and determine whether physical therapy may be appropriate.
At Health Plus Physical Therapy, treatment is individualized to your symptoms, movement limitations, and functional goals. If teeth clenching is contributing to jaw or facial discomfort, an evaluation can help identify appropriate treatment options.
– Schedule You Appointment with Health Plus Physical Therapy
– Contact us today to get started and book your appointment!
– Location: 2114 Oak Tree Rd, Edison, NJ 08820
Bruxism is the repeated clenching or grinding of the teeth, which can happen while awake or during sleep. It can place extra stress on the jaw muscles and jaw joints.
Yes. Frequent clenching can overwork the masseter and temporalis muscles, potentially causing jaw soreness, facial tension, headaches, or discomfort while chewing.
Physical therapy may help improve jaw mobility, reduce muscle tension, address posture and movement patterns, and provide exercises or manual techniques appropriate for the individual’s condition.
Consider an evaluation if jaw pain, stiffness, headaches, clicking, limited mouth opening, or difficulty chewing persists or interferes with daily activities.