Jaw clenching and teeth grinding (Bruxism) is often linked to factors of stress, anxiety and sleeping problems.
Temporomandibular joint disorder are most commonly known as TMJ, this results in inflammation and pain around the jaw. TMJ disorders can become more serious, causing chronic constant pain and discomfort in the area.
The muscles affected are the temporalis, masseter, medial and lateral pterygoid
Symptoms Can vary
Facial Pain
Headaches in the neck and around the eyes
Disrupted sleep
Migraines
Aches and pain around the ear
Pain and stiffness in the jaw joint (temporomandibular joint) and surrounding muscles. This can lead to temporomandibular disorder (TMD)
Warm down teeth leading to increased sensitivity and tooth loss
Broken filling and teeth
Limited movement the jaw
Difficulty or discomfort chewing
Locked joint causing difficulty to open and close your mouth
Individuals may not be aware that they are grinding their teeth and clenching their jaw. It often happens during sleep, concentrating or under stress.
TMJ can be accompanied by tinnitus
Factors
These factors could make an individual more likely to grind their teeth including:
Drinking alcohol
Smoking
Using recreational drugs, such as ecstasy and cocaine
Caffeinated drinks such as tea or coffee (six or more cups a day)
Because stress and anxiety have a strong connection with the underlying problems of teeth grinding and locked jaws. both treatment of massage and hypnotherapy will help reduce the symptoms.
There is a possibility that the grinding action has a soothing effect, like sucking a thumb.
Can Massage help?
Massage can help, by providing relief to the Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and the surrounding muscles around the jaw to release tension.
Working on the muscles and soft tissue of the neck, shoulders, jaw and head, this includes working inside the mouth, which is extremely beneficial to release restrictions
TMJ massage can act as an effective, non-medical way of dealing with TMJ pain (Curtis, J)
How Goes Hypnotherapy Help?
Hypnotherapy works with the subconsciousness stopping the automatic grinding behaviour, creating a pathway in the brain to control your subconscious behaviour.
Because teeth grinding happens when you are tense or stressed, hypnotherapy finds a solution to help the individual potentially deal with the issues that they are facing, to manage with coping strategies and learn to stay calm.
Reference
Curtis, J. "Three Ways a TMJ Massage Can Relieve Jaw Pain" Available from: https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/conditions/temporomandibular-disorder/tmj-massage-to-relieve-jaw-pain-1115 [Accessed on 29th August 2018]
Hypnosis downloads. "Stop Teeth Grinding With Hypnosis". Available from: http://www.hypnosisdownloads.com/health-issues/teeth-grinding [Accessed on 29th August 2018]
Pain Care Clinic. "TMJ & Jaw Pain". Available from: http://paincareclinic.co.uk/pain/pain-conditions/tmj-and-jaw-pain [Accessed on 29th August 2018]