Teeth grinding / bruxism (adjunctive care)
Also known as: bruxism, teeth grinding, jaw clenching, night grinding
Bruxism is clenching or grinding the teeth, usually in sleep, causing jaw pain, headaches and worn teeth. A dentist check and a night guard protect the teeth; stress management is the main driver. Chinese medicine sees it as Liver Qi stagnation turning to Heat, or Stomach Heat, with tension rising to the jaw.
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Lifestyle & Diet
- •See a dentist — a fitted night guard protects your teeth.
- •Manage stress: exercise, breathing exercises, counselling if needed.
- •Cut caffeine after midday and limit alcohol.
- •Jaw stretches and warm compresses before bed.
- •Keep a regular sleep schedule.
Cautions & Contraindications
- •Worn, cracked or painful teeth need dental treatment first — acupuncture doesn't repair teeth.[]
- •Needle ST6/ST7 with the mouth slightly open and jaw relaxed.[]
When to reassess or seek care again
Track morning jaw pain and headache frequency every 4 sessions; dental review for tooth wear.
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Sources & Further Reading
Clinical guidance, red flags and safety notes on this page draw on the following current sources alongside the classical references above.
- NHS · 2024
- ADA · 2024
- AHPRA / Chinese Medicine Board of Australia · 2024
Educational reference for licensed practitioners. Not a substitute for individual clinical assessment. Refer to conventional care for any red-flag or undiagnosed presentation.