Clenching: You Deserve to Feel Better!
Is it possible to stop Clenching?
Bruxism is the name of the condition when you grind or are clenching your teeth. Up to about 30 % of people do this. Some people are aware that they clench. And others not.
Clenching often happens when a person is stressed and awake. At other times, the clenching happens while sleeping at night. Eventually it is discovered, because it leads to pain or other issues like sleep disorders, pain in the face, issues with breathing, tinittus, and swallowing issues.
On a personal level, I began to experience it after some concussions. My jaw became misaligned. Hitting ones head can also cause lots of stress when the cranium is knocked around.
I went to the dentist, and she gave me a mouth guard. It was so uncomfortable I couldn’t wear it. Also, being a Craniosacral Therapist, I knew that it also inhibited the natural movement of the maxilla. Didn’t work. I will be honest and say that clenching has caused me a lot of issues. On the positive note, I can also say that with persistence, one can help to alleviate and sometimes release all the tension contributing to bruxism. It is possible to stop, but it may take patience to unwind all the causes which contribute to the condition.
Being a Craniosacral Therapist, I have worked in my own mouth, and that has helped me considerably. Releasing all the tension around the hyoid muscles is key. Also working around the TMJ joint. Above are some pictures to show you the inter-relationship between the the neck and jaw muscles. The Upledger Institute teaches a whole protocol on mouthwork which is very beneficial. I enjoy working with people just to see the relief they find with mouth work.
Also facing your stress and anxiety with gentleness, while receiving some help can change your life and heal the body as well. There are many somatic approaches to addressing the body that are profound and create postive change. Some examples are Hakomi, SE Work, Upledger SER therapy and such.
Also myofunctional therapists can help with exercises.
Dendending on the stress and structure, it may take time to release and integrate the stressed from clenching. But there is help available.
Sharon Hartnett CST-D
703 509-1792
www.cranioacraltherapistcolumbus.com
6797 N. High St. #333
Worthington, Ohio 43085
