Hypnotherapy for teeth grinding

Bruxism is the clenching or grinding of the teeth. For some people it happens while they are awake, often without realising, during concentration, stress or frustration. For others it happens during sleep, largely automatically, and is sometimes only noticed because a partner mentions it or a dentist spots the signs.

Possible signs include jaw tension or tiredness, particularly on waking, headaches (often around the temples), tooth sensitivity, teeth that appear worn, flattened or damaged over time, and sleep that feels disturbed or unrefreshing. These signs can have several different causes, so they are worth mentioning to a dentist or doctor rather than something to work out alone.

Bruxism is often connected with stress and tension, but not always. Concentration habits, an overactive nervous system, certain medicines and other factors can all play a part, and the picture is usually individual to the person.

Hypnotherapy does not repair teeth, replace a mouthguard or splint, or address every possible cause of bruxism. What it can offer is calm, complementary support for the stress regulation, relaxation and automatic habit patterns that often sit alongside clenching and grinding.

Depending on what is happening for you, our work together may help you:

• Build awareness of daytime clenching, so you can notice and release it sooner
• Calm the nervous system's stress response that can keep the jaw muscles braced
• Ease general tension held in the jaw, face and neck
• Support a calmer wind-down routine in the run-up to sleep
• Work gently with automatic habit patterns that may have built up over time
• Build a steadier, more relaxed relationship with stress more generally

We begin by talking about when and where the clenching or grinding tends to happen, during the day, at night, or both, along with what your dentist has told you and how your sleep and daily tension levels have been affected.

Hypnosis is then used to build a deeper relaxation response, greater awareness of jaw and facial tension as it arises, and a calmer routine in the lead-up to sleep. You remain aware and in control throughout, and the pace is always led by what feels helpful for you.

Hypnotherapy for teeth grinding may be suitable if you:

• Notice jaw tension, tiredness or aching, particularly on waking
• Have been told by a dentist that you show signs of grinding or clenching
• Find that stress or concentration brings on clenching during the day
• Would like support with the tension and stress that often sit behind bruxism
• Are already having any tooth damage or dental symptoms properly assessed
• Are ready to explore a calmer relationship with stress more generally

If you have tooth damage, sensitivity, jaw or facial pain, or grind your teeth regularly at night, please see your dentist for a proper assessment before beginning any complementary therapy. Dentists can also advise on protective options such as a custom mouthguard.

Snoring, suspected sleep apnoea, certain medicines and a number of other possible causes can also be involved in bruxism, and these may need assessment by an appropriate healthcare professional rather than a dentist alone. If you are taking any medication, please do not change or stop it without speaking to the doctor who prescribed it.