Does Acupuncture Actually Work for Bruxism?

Teeth grinding is more than an annoying habit that interrupts your sleep. This condition, officially called bruxism, overworks your jaw muscles, inflames your TMJ (temporomandibular joint), and impacts everything connected to those parts.

That’s why some people suggest acupuncture as a possible treatment for grinders.

Although it has only made its way into Western treatment plans over the past three decades (when the needles became FDA-approved in 1996), acupuncture has been part of medicine for millennia. But since we’ve only begun to research and pinpoint how these needles work and what they can treat, there is still confusion about their efficacy. 

Can acupuncture really treat your grinding symptoms? How does it help? What other therapeutic methods might work just as well or better?

In this blog, we’ll examine this once-alternative treatment in depth and discuss why it could reduce teeth grinding problems at a more than skin-deep level.

Connecting Acupuncture to Bruxism

How can acupuncture, which involves the strategic placement of needles into the skin, help someone with bruxism?

Causes of Bruxism

Bruxism is the habit of clenching or grinding teeth with above-normal intensity during the day or night. It is thought to be connected with the neurotransmitters in the dopamine system and, therefore, associated with emotions like stress and anxiety.

However, teeth grinding is also linked with other underlying causes, such as:

• Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD): One of over 30 conditions that cause dysfunction in the TMJ and affect the mouth’s movements, people with TMDs frequently have bruxism as a co-condition. Conversely, those with untreated bruxism are also likely to develop a TMJ disorder.
• Certain stimulants: Lifestyle habits that include smoking, alcohol consumption, illicit drug use, and eating or drinking a lot of caffeine make a person twice as likely to have bruxism than those who don’t use stimulants.
• Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA): A strong link exists between people with OSA — a sleep disorder that causes apneas (pauses in breathing) — and bruxism. Researchers are still evaluating the connection.
• Vitamin D deficiency: A newer risk factor, research shows that Vitamin D levels significantly affect a person’s chance of developing bruxism. A correlation between this condition and blood levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D shows that a deficiency of the vitamin is found in moderate-to-severe bruxers.

TMJ VS. Bruxism – What’s the Difference, and How Can You Find Relief?

Genetics, certain medications called SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), and dental issues may also lead to bruxism. Understanding the cause of your grinding can help you prevent it, but while you’re investigating, you want relief. 

Could acupuncture be the solution you’ve been looking for?

Connecting Acupuncture to Bruxism

Acupuncture, a technique often found in traditional Chinese medicine, uses thin needles to stimulate the fibers in the peripheral nervous system. This stimulation, applied to particular acupuncture points, causes the neurons to “fire,” producing an electrical change that releases hormones designed to balance the internal environment of:

• Dopamine
• Noradrenaline
• Serotonin
• Endorphins
• Cortisol

Connecting bruxism to acupuncture treatment, researchers believe that stimulating the peripheral nervous system sensory fibers with needles can change the neurotransmitters we produce. 

With the release of the right substances — cortisol, endorphins, dopamine, noradrenaline, and serotonin — central nervous system behaviors may shift. 

The effectiveness of acupuncture sessions depends on the skill of the acupuncturist and on the specific points targeted. 

Overall, it may produce:

• Reduced muscle tension
• Lowered stress levels
• Less jaw and facial pain
• Decreased bruxing behaviors

   

A Little History on Acupuncture

The origins of acupuncture lie in about 6000 BCE China, where sharpened stones and bones thought to be used as acupuncture needles have been found. In addition to these tools, ancient documents reference meridians similar to those used in acupuncture. Physical evidence of tattoos on the “Ice Man" (the body of whom dates back to 3300 BCE or further and was found when a glacier melted) shows the marks of an organized stimulation treatment. 

In about 100 BCE, a system of diagnosis and treatment that we recognize today as acupuncture was written. This document, “The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine,” is a question-and-answer text between the Emperor and his minister that compiled centuries of traditions. Many of the ideas are still used today, such as utilizing meridians to change energy channels.

Modern acupuncture is based on a book called “The Great Compendium of Acupuncture and Moxibustion,” which was published between 1368 and 1644 CE during the Ming Dynasty. This text describes all 365 points in which needles can be inserted to impact what was considered energy and is now connected to neurotransmitter chemicals.

Moving Acupuncture Into Western Medicine

Even with thousands of years of evidence, acupuncture proponents struggled to get the treatment seen as a legitimate part of healthcare until the 1950s. 

This period marks an integration of Western medical knowledge into the ancient practice. The two methods of practice created a synthesis that embraces modern technology and expertise with traditional Chinese acupuncture techniques.

Variations of Acupuncture 

Through adaptations like scalp acupuncture, we’ve seen beneficial changes in patients with nervous system disorders. The application of needles in the corresponding acupuncture points can reduce symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, PTSD, stroke, spinal injuries, and more.

The numbers are impressive: Studies show 80-90% of patients see improvement, and some recover completely.

Other types of acupuncture use light instead of needles. Laser acupuncture is frequently an option for pediatric patients. Since the FDA approved acupuncture needles in 1996 and alternatives using light therapy, the treatment has become widely practiced by many in the medical field, including dentists!

As more research evolves, acupuncture is moving beyond a pain management technique.

It’s a common part of practice for post-operative nausea, relief from the side effects of cancer treatment, and an oft-effective suggestion for stress and anxiety diminishment. All of these studies on the impact of acupuncture on hormone production show that it could also be a potential solution for the management of bruxism.

Alternatives to Acupuncture for Bruxism

Got trypanophobia? It might keep you from trying acupuncture, even if you believe it could work for you. 

You can try the laser version of this treatment if that seems more up your alley. Laser acupuncture is offered at some chiropractic and holistic health clinics, and many licensed acupuncturists have a laser alternative to their needles. You can even find laser acupuncture devices on Amazon and other online retailers, although the quality of these home remedies might not be as effective as a professional treatment.

However, acupuncture isn’t the only non-surgical treatment for bruxism. 

There’s an entire spectrum of possibilities, from at-home remedies to care only your healthcare provider can offer.

Custom-Made Night Guards

Certain guards are designed to be worn comfortably while you sleep, sliding over the upper or lower teeth to prevent contact. 

Fortunately, you don’t need a prescription and an expensive dental visit to nab your custom-made bruxism solution. 

Our professionals at JS Dental Lab are on site and ready to help you fabricate the best night guard for your grinding needs — all from the comfort of your home, saving you the pricey cost of the dentist’s office.

Read This Before You Buy a Night Guard Online

Muscle Relaxants

Muscle tension is one of the most common complaints from teeth grinders. When your jaws clench for hours, it leads to headaches, facial muscle pain, neck pain, and chipped or broken teeth.

Muscle relaxants will not stop the grinding, but they can relieve the side effects and increase one's quality of life.

Talk to your doctor about prescription medication that could help with your bruxism symptoms — or check out these natural alternatives to muscle relaxants. 

TMJ Treatment

If you have TMJ issues, getting help from a specialist as quickly as possible is crucial. TMDs don’t always go away on their own, and, without treatment, they can become painful enough to mess up your day — and your sleep.

TMJ treatment often begins with a custom night guard or a TMJ-specific splint, along with physical therapy and relaxation techniques. If those conservative options don’t help, your doctor may recommend Botox (although this involves needles, too) and pain management.

Stress Management Techniques

Adapting those neurotransmitter chemicals to relieve stress can happen without the aid of needles. It’s what you do when you’re relaxing and enjoying the moment!

What hobbies and interests make you joyful and happy? Treating bruxism could be as simple as making time for these things.

Stress management encompasses activities that increase dopamine and serotonin levels while decreasing adrenaline and other hormones associated with the fight-or-flight response. Some science-based options include:

• Journaling
• Exercise
• Listening to music
• Deep breathing (yogic breathing)
• Getting out in nature
• Cognitive behavioral therapy

If you have a hobby that makes you feel good, don’t feel bad about doing it! 

You’re not “wasting time,” you’re taking care of your health, and it’s worth every minute if it helps reduce your bruxism symptoms.

Lifestyle Changes

We mentioned certain habits earlier that become risk factors for teeth grinding. Making lifestyle changes to reduce these habits can go a long way toward solving your nocturnal behaviors and relieving jaw pain and other bruxism side effects. 

Sleep

In addition to stress management, consider your sleep patterns. Do you have a healthy bedtime routine that doesn’t include screen time, and does include you going to sleep and waking up at consistent times?

These small changes can make a big difference. If you need a phone or TV to fall asleep, try switching to reading a book, listening to a soothing app, or taking a bath.

Nutrition

Avoiding stimulants like caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco is helpful because it reduces tension and muscle activity. Continue drinking water throughout the day to stay hydrated, as dry mouth can trigger grinding. Avoid hard, sticky, chewy, and acidic foods that make your jaw muscles work harder and erode tooth enamel faster.

Oral Health

Take care of your oral health by improving your daily dental routine and visiting your dentist regularly. These small steps may not seem like much, but they can help counteract the damage of grinding, and your dentist can catch any potential issues while they’re mild enough to fix easily.

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Conclusion

An effective treatment for bruxism can be directly related to the jaw joint — as with a night guard — or focus on adjusting the way your brain releases hormones — as is the result of acupuncture. 

With so many treatment options available, your jaw clenching and teeth grinding side effects don’t have to be permanent.

Still, most dentists recommend a custom-made night guard as the first line of defense. Skip the expensive recommendation and head to our website at JS Dental Lab for high-quality, custom-fit night guards fabricated just for you. Your relief may be a click away!