Bruxism (grinding, clenching & stress habits)
Teeth grinding or clenching, or stress-related oral habits (biting teeth, pressing the tongue...). Major cause of muscle tension and chronic facial pain.
Characteristics
Bruxism includes teeth grinding and clenching, but also all stress-related oro-facial habits: biting the teeth, cheeks or lips, pressing or nibbling the tongue, clenching the jaw in response to stress. Whether daytime or nocturnal, it generates significant tension in the masticatory and cervical muscles, causing muscle fatigue, facial pain, and dental wear. Daytime rehabilitation over 12 waking hours reprograms these automatisms through awareness techniques and muscle relaxation.
- Clenching, grinding & stress habits
- Daytime and/or nocturnal parafunctions
- Visible tooth wear
- Muscle pain upon waking
Physiotherapy treatment
- Masticatory muscle relaxation
- Awareness techniques
- Stress management and relaxation
- Multidisciplinary coordination
Progress with treatment
Progress varies according to the condition and individual factors. Conservative options may be discussed after assessment, without a promised result or timeline.
Questions About TMJ Disorders
Characteristics
Teeth grinding or clenching, or stress-related oral habits (biting teeth, pressing the tongue...). Major cause of muscle tension and chronic facial pain.
Physiotherapy treatment
Masticatory muscle relaxation Awareness techniques Stress management and relaxation Multidisciplinary coordination
How many sessions are needed?
The number and spacing of visits depend on assessment, response and goals. No duration or result can be guaranteed.
Scientific sources
- Effectiveness of manual therapy for TMD (PubMed)
- TMJ and cervical spine connection (PMC)
- Therapeutic exercises for TMD (PubMed)
- Conservative approach to TMJ disorders (PubMed)
- Intra-oral techniques - systematic review
- Bruxism and physiotherapy (PubMed)
- Physiopedia practical guide - TMD
- HAS recommendations on TMD