Have you been experiencing pain and discomfort in your jaw, especially late at night or early in the morning? Has it been making it difficult to open your mouth or chew? If so, you may be suffering from jaw clenching. This condition is a common problem that affects millions of people in Canada. Unfortunately, most people do not know that it's the cause of their pain. Jaw clenching has symptoms that are very similar to other conditions, such as TMJ and cervical spondylosis.
What Is Jaw Clenching?
Jaw clenching, also referred to as Bruxism, is a condition that is characterized by the contraction or spasming of the jaw muscles. This contraction is involuntary, meaning that you may not even be aware that you are doing it. Jaw clenching mostly happens during the night, although it can also occur during the day.
Common Causes of Jaw Clenching
There are several causes of jaw clenching. The first is psychological issues such as anxiety, stress, and tension. Muscle tension is another common cause of jaw clenching. It can also be caused by a lack of dietary fiber or other nutritional deficiencies in your diet. The following are some other possible causes of jaw clenching:
- Taking stimulants.
- Underlying conditions such as sleep apnea, Parkinson's disease, ADHD, epilepsy, obesity, and night terrors.
- Taking SSRI antidepressants.
Effects of Jaw Clenching
1. It Can Cause Pain and Discomfort
Jaw clenching causes jaw pain. It also causes headaches that start at the temples and earaches.
2. It Can Limit Your Ability to Eat or Chew Properly
Jaw clenching limits your ability to open your mouth wide. This may cause you to have difficulty eating. The jaw pain associated with jaw clenching also makes it hard to chew food.
3. It Can Cause Facial Disorders
This condition is a known cause of facial pain, and if not treated, it may lead to the development of TMJ.
4. Teeth Damage
Jaw clenching can cause damage to your teeth. This is because it causes the teeth to grind continuously. This can result in unhealthy tooth wear that leads to tooth breakage.
Home Remedies for Jaw Clenching
1. Address All Psychological Issues
If you’re jaw clenching is occurring due to psychological issues such as anxiety, it is suggested to speak to a specialist who can help determine the root cause and/or provide possible solutions. Additionally, some possible remedies for stress and anxiety include massage therapy, meditation, yoga, and exercise.
2. Get Enough Sleep
You will need to pay attention to your sleeping habits and adjust them to make sure that you get enough sleep. This will improve your overall mood, making it easier for you to treat jaw clenching. You should also limit your consumption of caffeine.
3. Have a Proper Diet
You will need a proper diet in order to take in essential nutrients such as zinc, vitamin D, B12, and calcium. In addition, you will need to ensure that you get enough fiber. It is also important to be mindful of eating a healthy diet.
Professional Treatment for Jaw Clenching
If you have tried all the home remedies for jaw clenching and nothing has worked for you, you will need to consider seeking professional treatment. Remember that this condition is treatable. All you need is patience and dedication.
Your first stop should be at a dentist's office. Contact the Upper Hunt Club Dental Centre in Ottawa to schedule an oral evaluation. Your dentist will conduct a full evaluation to determine any underlying dental health issues and will determine treatment options. Possible treatment solutions include dental corrections and custom mouth guard to protect your teeth from clenching.
Jaw clenching is a serious problem that can lead to long term issues if not dealt with immediately. Furthermore, daily pain causes short term discomfort in your regular routine. Pain and discomfort typically have a route cause, it is important to take the necessary steps to determine the issue and understand what treatment options are available. At the Upper Hunt Club Dental Centre in Ottawa, we stress the importance of taking care of your oral health. Contact us today to schedule a dental evaluation to determine the cause of your jaw clenching and potential treatment routes.
