Réhabital
Bruxism Treatment in Côte Saint-Luc
Bruxism, the involuntary grinding or clenching of teeth, affects much of the population occasionally or chronically, often during sleep and sometimes even during daytime concentration. It shows up as dental wear, morning headaches, jaw fatigue or persistent tension in the facial and neck muscles. At Réhabital in Côte Saint-Luc, we approach bruxism as a musculoskeletal and neuromuscular issue, as an essential complement to dental care, which remains responsible for diagnosis and protecting the teeth themselves.
Book an AppointmentUnderstanding This Condition
Bruxism is generally divided into two forms: sleep bruxism, involuntary and often linked to micro-arousals, and awake bruxism, more related to stress and conscious or unconscious concentration. In both cases, the chewing muscles, mainly the masseter and temporalis, undergo repeated and prolonged contractions far exceeding those needed for normal chewing. This chronic muscular overactivity can lead to masseter hypertrophy, tension radiating to the temples and back of the skull, and increased load on the temporomandibular joint. Bruxism is closely linked to stress, anxiety, certain sleep patterns, and sometimes dental malocclusion or a forward head posture that alters the muscular balance of the jaw. Clinically, our role is to reduce accumulated muscle tension, improve associated cervical and cranial mobility, and equip the person with stress management and voluntary release strategies, while working in complement with the dentist, who assesses dental wear and can prescribe a night occlusal splint when needed.
Common Symptoms
Common Causes
Stress and anxiety
Psychological stress remains the most well-documented trigger for bruxism, unconsciously increasing chewing muscle activity, particularly during periods of heightened tension.
Sleep micro-arousals
Nighttime bruxism is often associated with brief nervous system arousals during sleep, which trigger repetitive jaw muscle activity without the person being aware of it.
Dental malocclusion
Misaligned teeth can promote abnormal contact between dental arches, which a dentist can assess and correct in collaboration with our muscular follow-up.
Forward head posture
A forward head position, common with prolonged screen work, alters the balance of chewing muscles and increases their baseline activity, contributing to clenching.
Stimulants and lifestyle habits
Evening caffeine, alcohol and tobacco use are associated with increased frequency of sleep bruxism in several people.
Our Treatment Approach
Osteopathic assessment with Shahram Ghasemi targets jaw, cranial and cervical spine mobility, using gentle release techniques for the chewing muscles and surrounding fascia to reduce tension accumulated by chronic clenching. Massage therapy with Irina Kushnir, Jeanne Andrea Rahantamalala, Cedik Elaiba, Elena Caliniuc or Liliana Ciocoi specifically targets the masseter, temporalis and neck muscles often contracted in response to bruxism, offering marked release of facial tension. Physiotherapy with Colin Teghen Tamuton can be integrated when cervical posture significantly contributes to the picture, with postural control and muscular awareness exercises. We also provide practical stress management strategies and conscious jaw relaxation techniques for daytime use, and consistently refer to dentistry for dental wear assessment and possible night occlusal splints, an essential complementary tool our manual approach does not replace.
What to Expect at Your First Visit
The first visit lasts about 60 minutes: discussion of sleep and stress habits, palpation of chewing and neck muscles, and overall postural assessment. You leave with jaw release techniques and guidance to reduce unconscious daytime clenching.
At-Home Self-Care Tips
- Practice conscious jaw release several times a day.
- Reduce evening caffeine and alcohol if nighttime bruxism is significant.
- Apply gentle heat to the masseter before bed.
- Keep the tongue on the palate, teeth slightly apart at rest.
- Build a stress management routine before sleep.
- Wear the occlusal splint prescribed by your dentist, if applicable.
Prognosis & Recovery Timeline
Bruxism-related muscle tension generally improves within 4 to 6 weeks with regular manual treatment combined with stress management strategies. Bruxism itself may persist intermittently, particularly during periods of heightened stress, which is why long-term follow-up combined with dental care is valuable.
When to See Us at Réhabital
Come in if you experience persistent jaw tension or recurring morning headaches, or if someone notices frequent grinding at night. See a dentist promptly for visible dental wear, tooth pain or significant sensitivity, as these fall within their area of expertise.
Why Réhabital Clinic
In Côte Saint-Luc, our team addresses the muscular consequences of bruxism while working alongside your dentist, not in place of their care. This collaboration allows for a more complete approach to teeth grinding and clenching.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Address
D4-5800 Cavendish Blvd
Côte Saint-Luc, QC H4W 2T5
Phone
(438) 842-3550Hours
Mon–Fri: 10AM–8PM
Sun: 10AM–4PM
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