Bruxism
Bruxism is a problem in which you unconsciously grind or clench your teeth. You may clench and grind your teeth during the day or at night when you sleep (sleep bruxism). You may not even realize you have it.
Since the pandemic, cases of bruxism have been on the rise. Your dentist is the designated specialist to repair damage caused to your teeth and jaws. But what is behind this bruxism? Stress and anxiety, of course.
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The relationship between stress and bruxism is often cited as a reason to try acupuncture. After all, lowering stress levels can reduce teeth grinding episodes. Because acupuncture relieves stress, encourages relaxation, and promotes healing, it may provide relief for people suffering from bruxism. Other disorders identified by traditional Chinese medicine can also lead to this involuntary behavior.
To soothe your internal tension, rebalance your energies, recharge and energize your life force and increase your well-being, see your acupuncturist. He can and wants to help you.
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Did you know that acupuncture can
effectively treat bruxism?
Although there are many studies on acupuncture, only a few focus on the treatment's effects on bruxism.
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A recent study measured hypertonicity, or excessive tension, in patients' jaw muscles. Researchers tested the effects of acupuncture on four distinct jaw muscles. They found that touching acupuncture needles to designated points resulted in noticeable relaxation of three of the four targeted muscles.
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Another study looked at how acupuncture's effects on the central nervous system may play a role in treating bruxism. Researchers examined acupuncture's ability to cause the release of natural chemicals known to reduce pain, inflammation and muscle tension. In addition, they demonstrate a reduction in the activity of certain jaw muscles in the days following acupuncture treatment.
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Treating Bruxism by Reducing Stress Using Acupuncture
Studies specifically addressing bruxism may be limited. However, many studies examine the impact of acupuncture on stress, which appears to be a contributing factor in repetitive teeth grinding.
Stress can negatively impact pain, inflammation, the immune system and mood. Acupuncture is known to have an effect on all of these areas.
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In bruxism, patients grind and clench their teeth due to unconscious movements of their jaw muscles. People who suffer from waking bruxism often notice that they are more likely to clench their jaws when stressed. In contrast, sleep bruxism is more likely to involve involuntary teeth grinding during sleep. In other cases, dental damage, jaw pain, headaches, earaches or temporomandibular joint disorder are a red flag that leads to diagnosis.
Day or night, bruxism can be a painful and destructive problem. Experts believe that a variety of factors can cause this problem, including abnormal bite or anatomy, genetics, certain medications, and mood and sleep disorders. However, stress often tops the list of potential causes.
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In fact, the reviewMedical Acupuncturereports that neuroimaging and other studies have confirmed that acupuncture can influence the central and autonomic nervous systems. As a bonus, acupuncture is strongly associated with better sleep. Some patients even fall asleep on the treatment table. As quality sleep is known to improve well-being and mood, acupuncture may help people with bruxism.
