Treating Bruxism or TMJ - any specific oils?

[Juan Gomez]

I have a client that has been suffering from Bruxism (teeth grinding during sleep) for many years.
He has been treated with Botox a few times, but as its effect has always been short-lived, he has stopped it now.

His diet, life-style and exercise regime are great, and he claims that he is usually stress-free. He sleeps well and generally is unaware of it, other than its effect on his teeth.

No attempt has been made via osteopathy or using a mouth-guard (bite splint) and I was hoping to treat it with a mixture of aromatherapy and Hopi Ear Candling.

I found no mention at all in any of my books about Bruxism or Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome (TMJ)…

As it is not a classic stress/insomnia issue, I was thinking along the lines of vasodilatators and anti-spasmodics:
Cajuput, Clary Sage, Sweet Marjoram and Roman Chamomile

Any ideas are very much appreciated.

 

[Mysterious Havok]

I don't mean to sound harsh but surely if you don't know how your particular therapy can help bruxism and there is no indication in your training notes that it can, then aren't you ethically bound to refer the client to a treatment that can help? (there are several).

One of the regulatory bodies I'm a member of for the therapies I offer (no point quoting them both) sums this up in it's code of ethics as:


If the client really doesn't suffer from stress then it would be worth looking at caffeine and alcohol intakes as both of these effect bruxism.

 

[Aimee Hudson]

Point taken and accepted.

Just for the record, my Hopi Candeling textbook and teacher certainly indicates it, its the aroma side that i was considering to add.

Also, he is more of a friend than a client, and hasn't even mentioned the issue until the 6th or 7th session when he had a tense headache. Thus, he said it never bothered him enough to seek osteopathy etc.

The tips about alcohol and cafeinne are appreciated.

 

[MICHAEL D]

I agree with Bannick.

Has there been no referral for a dental opinion? A simple guard works well for many people.[including me!!]

There are other threads in this forum with advice on TMJ and bruxism - it pays to know what you can and can't be expected to help with.

I have treated many people with TMJ problems / bruxism with Bowen and Emmett techniques - usually when the client has really tense jaw, neck and shoulder muscles - giving them a lot of relief from their discomfort.

I always suggest that they get a dental opinion - as a dentist can see what level of damage has been done to the teeth as well as carry out a thorough examination of the TMJ and surrounding tissues and decide on an appropriate treatment plan.
If the guard is the first dental option, I have also continued my therapies whilst a guard is being fabricated [usually 7-14 days]

The best results for this problem [and many others] I have found will come from collaboration with other professionals. Those other professionals, and I believe your clients, will respect you more if you are seen to recognise your own limits.

Best wishes
JJ