Bruxism
& Jaw Health
Chronic jaw clenching and teeth grinding are not just dental problems — they are muscular ones. Orofacial myofunctional therapy addresses the root cause.
Understanding Bruxism
Bruxism — the habitual grinding or clenching of teeth — affects up to 31% of adults. Sleep bruxism occurs unconsciously during the night; awake bruxism often manifests as a stress response during the day.
The consequences extend beyond enamel wear. Jaw pain, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction, headaches, facial fatigue, and disrupted sleep are all common. Many patients discover bruxism only after dental damage is found at a routine cleaning.
Orofacial myofunctional therapy retrains the resting posture of the tongue, lips, and jaw — interrupting the habitual tension patterns that drive grinding. When paired with awareness training, the results can be profound and lasting.
Symptoms We Address
How OMT Helps
Tongue Posture Retraining
Proper resting tongue posture reduces the tension cascade that contributes to nighttime grinding.
Lip Seal & Nasal Breathing
Mouth breathing is closely linked to bruxism. Establishing nasal breathing and lip seal reduces arousal during sleep.
Facial Muscle Awareness
Learning to recognize and release tension in the masseter and temporalis muscles interrupts the clenching habit.
Jaw Relaxation Techniques
Targeted exercises promote the natural resting jaw posture — teeth apart, tongue up, lips gently closed.
Stress Response Intervention
Awake bruxism is strongly linked to stress. OMT includes awareness strategies to interrupt daytime habits.
Coordination with Dental Care
We work alongside your dentist or TMJ specialist to complement splint therapy and other dental interventions.
Relieve the tension. Restore the balance.
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