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Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
Specialist Physiotherapy for Teeth Grinding, Jaw Clenching and Facial Pain
Whether you wake with aching jaw muscles, headaches or have been told you grind your teeth at night, bruxism can place significant strain on your jaw joints, muscles and teeth.
Many people believe teeth grinding is simply caused by stress, but the reality is often far more complex. Bruxism can occur during the day or at night and is frequently associated with jaw pain (TMD), headaches and neck pain.
At Midlands Jaw Physiotherapy, we specialise in assessing the underlying causes of bruxism rather than simply treating the symptoms. Our goal is to reduce pain, improve jaw function and help prevent your symptoms from returning.
Do these symptoms sound familiar?
Many people don't realise they are grinding or clenching their teeth until symptoms begin to develop.
You may notice:
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Jaw pain when you wake up
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Morning headaches
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Tight or tired jaw muscles
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Teeth clenching during the day
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A partner hearing grinding noises at night
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Sensitive or worn teeth
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Clicking or locking of the jaw
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Ear pain or pressure
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Neck pain
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Difficulty relaxing your jaw
If several of these symptoms sound familiar, a specialist assessment can help identify the underlying cause and guide the most appropriate treatment.
What is Bruxism?
Bruxism is the medical term used to describe repetitive clenching or grinding of the teeth.
It can occur:
Daytime bruxism (Awake bruxism)
Many people unknowingly clench their teeth while concentrating, driving, exercising or during periods of stress.
Rather than grinding the teeth together, daytime bruxism more commonly involves sustained tightening of the jaw muscles.
Over time this continuous muscle activity may contribute to muscle fatigue, facial pain and headaches.
Night-time bruxism (Sleep bruxism)
Sleep bruxism occurs during sleep without conscious awareness.
Some people grind their teeth together while others clench their jaws tightly for prolonged periods.
Many only discover they have sleep bruxism after their dentist notices tooth wear or a partner hears grinding overnight.
What Causes Bruxism?
Bruxism rarely has one single cause.
Instead, it usually develops through a combination of biological, psychological and lifestyle factors.
Stress and Anxiety
Emotional stress may increase muscle activity during both the day and night.
However, not everyone who is stressed develops bruxism, and many people with bruxism report little stress at all.
Jaw Disorders (TMD)
Bruxism commonly occurs alongside temporomandibular disorders.
Pain within the jaw muscles or joints may alter movement patterns, increasing muscle activity.
Habit
Many people clench without realising.
Common triggers include:
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Computer work
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Driving
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Gym training
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Concentrating
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Emotional stress
Medications
Some medications may increase jaw muscle activity in susceptible individuals.
If this is suspected, your GP or prescribing clinician should always be involved before any medication changes are considered.
Can Bruxism Damage My Teeth?
Long-standing grinding or heavy clenching may lead to:
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Tooth wear
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Cracked fillings
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Broken crowns
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Tooth sensitivity
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Jaw muscle pain
However, many people grind for years with very little tooth damage.
The amount of damage depends on several individual factors, including the intensity and duration of grinding.
How Can Physiotherapy Help?
Not everyone who grinds their teeth requires treatment.
Our assessment focuses on determining whether your symptoms are being driven by muscle overactivity, jaw joint dysfunction, habits or contributing factors elsewhere in the head and neck.
Treatment may include:
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🎓 Education about bruxism
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🌸 Jaw relaxation techniques
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🤲 Manual therapy
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🏋 Exercises to improve muscle control
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🤕 Management of associated headaches and neck pain
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😴 Advice regarding sleep and lifestyle factors
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🌿 Dry Needling where clinical appropriate
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🧠 Habit awareness training
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💉 Medical botulinum toxin for carefully selected patients as part of a wider rehabilitation programme
The aim is not simply to stop grinding but to reduce the load placed on the jaw so that pain decreases and function improves.
Persistent clenching may contribute to jaw stiffness or restricted opening. Read more on our Locked Jaw page.
Myths About Bruxism
Myth: Teeth grinding is always caused by stress.
Fact: Stress can contribute, but bruxism is usually influenced by several different factors.
Myth: A mouthguard cures bruxism.
Fact: Mouthguards protect the teeth but usually do not stop the muscle activity itself.
Myth: Everyone who grinds their teeth needs treatment.
Fact: Many people have no symptoms and require no treatment.
Myth: If I stop chewing, my jaw will recover.
Fact: Normal jaw movement is usually encouraged to keep the joint healthy.
10 Frequently Asked Questions About Bruxism
Related Symptoms
It is rare for only one symptom to occur with TMD. Jaw clicking is often just a component of the overall condition.
Explore our other specialist resources:
Let's Work Together
If jaw clenching or teeth grinding is affecting your daily life, we're here to help.
At Midlands Jaw Physiotherapy, we provide specialist assessment and evidence-based treatment for jaw disorders, helping you understand the cause of your symptoms and develop a personalised treatment plan.
✅ 60-minute specialist assessment
✅ No GP referral needed
✅ Individual treatment plan
Why choose Midlands Jaw Physiotherapy?
✅ Exclusive focus on jaw, facial and neck conditions
✅ Independent Prescriber
✅ Medical Botulinum Toxin when appropriate
✅ HCPC & CSP Registered
✅ Evidence-based treatment
✅ Personalised rehabilitation programmes