Bruxism and jaw tension: see how to deal with this discomfort –

If before coronavirus pandemic we already dealt a lot with the stress of everyday life, after she arrived that feeling seems to have multiplied. It’s easy for people to perceive this tension in different ways, and one of the most common is through bruxism or tension in the face.

Data on the effect of the pandemic on jaw tension and increased cases of bruxism are not yet conclusive, but the World Health Organization believes that the condition affects around 30% of the world’s population.

According to the biomedical and physiotherapist Raphaella Autran, from the Andrea Tedesco Institute, in Rio de Janeiro, bruxism is a parafunctional activity, characterized by squeezing or grinding the teeth in movements similar to those of chewing. “It can be classified into wakefulness bruxism, when the patient clenches or grinds their teeth while awake, or sleep bruxism,” she says.

For the specialist, the first step in treating this discomfort is to identify the cause, which can be both physical and emotional. “The symptoms may be pain at the level of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which can generate clicks (noises), bumps or even dislocation or subluxation of the same; headache, from headaches to migraines, passing through an occasional feeling of pressure on the forehead or the back of the neck. In case there is already wear on the condyle of the mandible, there may also be limitation in opening and closing the mouth, among other symptoms”, he says.

From there, if the patient already presents or develops the above symptoms, it is indicated to seek a dental surgeon specialized in orofacial pain to determine the physical diagnosis. “If no physical or structural problem is detected, he will also be referred to the physiotherapist to assess the function of the muscles and, if necessary, an intervention.”

How to deal with tension in the face and bruxism?

It is a fact that the cause of bruxism or tension can have a physical background, however, the emotional has a great effect on the causes of this condition. Therefore, Raphaella recommends a balanced lifestyle, with physical activity, good nutrition and psychological or therapeutic follow-up.

For Alessandra Scavone, a speech therapist specializing in facial yoga and creator of the Masc Facial method, the stress of the pandemic has contributed to a 60% increase in cases of bruxism and tension in the face. Therefore, she recommends some exercises to relax the jaw and improve the condition. See below:

(Hold each position for 5 seconds and perform the exercise with your mouth half open. Three series in total.)

1

Massage, slowly and deeply, the region of the masseter muscle, close to the ear. Do 10 repetitions vertically (up and down).

two

Place the tongue as if it were being sucked completely through the palate (roof of the mouth) and maintain this position until there is a “snap” and it lets go.

3

To release tension from the jaw, follow the scheme below:
– The mandible (bottom part) will be fixed and the exercise will be done with the jaw (top part). Place your hands at 45 degrees to your face (thumbs below your ears).
– Open your mouth only with the top part, hold it in that position for 5 seconds and close it for 5 seconds. Do 3 sets.

4

Pressure to relax the region:
– Place the supported thumb under the chin and the phalanx of the index finger on the chin. Press for 5 seconds.
– Place the thumb supported below and the phalanx of the index finger in the middle of the jaw. Press for 5 seconds.
– Place the thumb supported below and the phalanx of the index finger close to the ear. Press for 5 seconds.

5

Massage the tragus (ear region), pulling back and forth, opening and closing the mouth with the tongue behind the teeth.

6

If you have one handy, pass the face roller 10 times, up and down, very slowly. In that case, the roller should not go to the refrigerator beforehand.

7

For jaw relaxation, place 3 fingers (index, middle and ring) on ​​3 points:

In the first position, the 3 fingers are just below the “bone” in the cheek, and the index finger will be close to the ear;
In the second position: the 3 fingers in the jaw region;
In third position 3 fingers are in the middle between 1st and 2nd position.