TMJ and bruxism

Teeth clenching may occur without any noticeable grinding.

And it can occur whilst sleeping or whilst awake.

I’d like to know when the symptoms appear and what other symptoms you notice alongside them.

• jaw fatigue
• pain around the temporomandibular joint (TMJ)
• discomfort when chewing
• tense temporalis muscles
• facial pain
• headache
• stiff neck
• stiffness when opening the mouth.

Joint noises may occur without pain or loss of function.

A single sound doesn’t tell the whole story. I also look to see if there is:

• pain
• blockage
• loss of mouth opening
• fatigue
• functional limitation.

The cervical region and the jaw muscles may be affected in certain cases of temporomandibular disorder.

Recent reviews have found short-term benefits from cervical interventions in some temporomandibular disorders, although the evidence and the techniques studied are heterogeneous.

That’s why I assess the neck when the pattern calls for it.

In some people, awake clenching increases during periods of load or concentration.

It is also worth noting when the symptoms occur and what you notice at those times.

See stress, rest and bodily tension

Where there is tooth wear, toothache, queries about mouthguards or a need to assess the structure of the TMJ, the dentist has a role to play.

My work is not a substitute for that assessment.

Depending on what we find, we can assess:

• opening and closing
• TMJ
• masseter muscles
• temporalis muscles
• neck
• suboccipital region
• fascia
• cranial region.

And combining manual therapy with jaw mobility exercises where appropriate.

Reducing pain or fatigue, improving function and ensuring that the jaw, temples and neck are under less strain when they form part of the same pattern.

Sometimes you don’t need to open your mouth any wider. You just need to stop clenching it so tightly.