Teeth grinding / jaw clenching

During teeth grinding, the temporomandibular joint, the chewing muscles, and the teeth are exposed to forces exceeding 50 kilograms. Due to this prolonged and continuous load, the balance of the chewing muscles becomes disrupted, which can lead to serious consequences. Long-term jaw clenching causes noticeable wear of the tooth enamel. Certain foods and drinks (such as fruits, cold beverages, or wine) may trigger sharp, shooting pain. The edges of the front teeth can wear down and become serrated, and porcelain may chip off crowns. Teeth may crack or break, chewing surfaces can wear flat, and over time the bite height decreases, altering the load placed on the temporomandibular joint.

The resting position of the jaw is when there is a 2–3 mm space between the upper and lower teeth. With the mouth closed, the upper and lower teeth should not touch. When the teeth make contact, the chewing muscles are engaged. If the teeth are not only touching but also clenched together, the strain on the muscles and joints increases even further. After “working” all day, the chewing muscles become tight and painful.

Teeth grinding and clenching can occur both during wakefulness and sleep. Pain around the jaw joint or in the temples immediately upon waking suggests nighttime teeth grinding, while symptoms appearing during the day or evening more likely indicate daytime clenching.

The primary goal in treating teeth grinding is to restore the resting position of the jaw. Therapy begins with raising awareness of the symptoms and the factors that maintain them. If a person does not know in which situations and how frequently they grind or clench their teeth, they cannot break the habit, and their symptoms will persist. Alongside recognizing the triggers, relaxation-focused TMJ exercises and soft-tissue mobilization techniques are used to reduce the tension of the overactive chewing muscles. We help patients break the habit of daytime clenching. Without constant clenching, the facial muscles experience less strain, daytime tension decreases, and the chewing muscles can “rest,” which improves sleep quality — thereby reducing nighttime grinding as well. With continuous relaxation and the release of existing spasms, TMJ therapy effectively treats teeth grinding that occurs during both wakefulness and sleep.

If temporomandibular therapy reaches a plateau or does not produce the desired results, it is advisable to consult your dentist about the possibility of an occlusal splint. An occlusal splint protects the teeth from wear and reduces the load on the jaw joint. In most cases, splint therapy combined with TMJ physiotherapy effectively treats nighttime teeth grinding.