Comment
Author: Admin | 2025-04-28
Tension or teeth grinding (while you’re awake or asleep).Results show that biofeedback treatments are just as effective (if not more so) than splints or mouth guards at correcting behavioral jaw clenching. Talk with a professional acupuncturist about regular treatments that can soothe tense or painful jaw muscles. While there's very little scientific evidence to suggest the effectiveness of acupuncture, it stands as a popular form of alternative medicine. Some studies show it can be effective at reducing jaw pain, but more research is needed to confirm if it has long-term benefits for jaw clenching, bruxism, or TMJ disorders.[15]Similarly, inquire about professional acupressure treatments. Acupuncture uses strategically placed needles to control pain in the body, but acupressure applies firm pressure to strategic points, instead. Muscle relaxants can relax the muscles in your jaw, which should help prevent your jaw from clenching. Consult with your doctor about both oral relaxants and injected relaxants.[16]Oral muscle relaxants must be prescribed by a doctor and only taken for short periods to avoid dependency. These medications relax your entire body's immune response. They may make you drowsy, so you plan to take them before bedtime.Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA) treatments are injected directly into the affected area and only relax the surrounding jaw muscles. These treatments last for prolonged periods but are usually prescribed only as a last resort when other treatments are ineffective. If you're currently taking long-term prescription medications and you didn't clench your jaw before you began treatment, ask your doctor if your jaw clenching habits could be a side effect of the medication. If medications are causing the problem, your doctor may prescribe a different medication to help eliminate jaw clenching.[17]While there are different types of medications that can cause jaw clenching, some of the most common culprits include antipsychotic and antidepressant drugs, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).[18]Note that alcohol, smoking, and recreational drug use can also cause jaw clenching and should be eliminated.Advertisement Add New Question Question How do I stop clenching my jaw without a mouthguard? Dr. Alina Lane is a Dentist who runs All Smiles Dentistry, a general practice dental office
Add Comment