(Transcribed by TurboScribe.ai. Go Unlimited to remove this message.) Hi, this is Gena with a Pebble in the Road on jaw clenching. The medical definition for this is called bruxism. It's when a person grinds, gnashes, or clenches the teeth or their jawbone. Many of us do this when we are faced with situations where it behooves us to keep our mouths shut. But if you find yourself doing this each and every day, or every hour of the day, that could be a problem.
Starting in the mouth area, constant jaw clenching can damage your teeth and the jaw. It can also cause headaches and can be associated with sleep problems. Now, some of the causes of this is that you could actually have a physical problem with your mouth or your jawline. But stress can be a factor in jaw clenching. Chalk it up to the good old fight or flight response.
There's a dangerous situation, your body tenses up, but you know that you're not actually in danger, but that tension's got to go somewhere, and for some people, it's in their jaws. But there are human-induced reasons why people clench their jaws. We can look at the usual and generally bad suspects of body disharmony. We're talking tobacco, nicotine, and other lung-damaging substances. You also can take a look at drinks and foods that contain high levels of caffeine or strong herbal stimulants.
And, of course, alcohol. Some of the symptoms that can result from jaw clenching, if you have a persistent tooth or jaw problem, you probably should go to the dentist to have that checked out. Another symptom is constant headaches or pains in the jaw area. Now, that could be generated from other sources, but, again, it could be a dental problem or an anxiety-induced one.
If you're taking certain types of anti-anxiety medications, there can be side effects, and one of those side effects can be jaw clenching. So, under resources, I have a few. Johns Hopkins Medicine has an explainer about bruxism, and it talks about who is at risk, the causes, and the treatment options. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine has a page on understanding the relationship between bruxism and stress.
If you're looking for a therapist to help you deal with stress and anxiety problems, the Open Path Psychotherapy Collective allows you to search for a therapist. And they have a wide variety of filters and types of therapists who specialize in one area or may be similar to your makeup or your social background that you'd feel more comfortable talking with. The providers listed on this particular website agree to a sliding fee scale.
However, there is a one-time fee to join as a member to help support the services. Jaw clenching may not be a stress issue, but then again, it might be for you. It can be dental or a problem related to your sleep health. Actually, there's a wide variety of conditions that are associated with jaw clenching.
But there are some basic things that might help you feel better, such as getting enough sleep, watch what you eat, cut back, if you can, on caffeine, sugar, and other stimulants, practice your meditation or relaxation techniques. And this can include things like music that you love, a binge fest on TV shows, doing actual walking, running, whatever engages your chill mode. Maybe do that thing that brings you joy at least once a day.
The bottom line, if your jaw clenching is causing you problems, you need to get that taken care of and treated. I hope this helps, and maybe we'll meet again on the Anxiety Road. You can visit anxietyroadpodcast.com for links and other information resources. You can listen, download, or subscribe to the podcast via any of the free podcasting apps, such as Apple Podcasts, Amazon, Ganna, Pandora, or on the web at listennotes.com.
Links to other sites are provided for information purposes only and do not constitute endorsements. Always seek the advice of a qualified health care provider with questions you may have regarding a medical or mental health disorder. This podcast is intended for information and education purposes only. Nothing in the program is intended to be a substitute for professional psychological, psychiatric, or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.