Clenching Of Teethaccording to TCM

What is Clenching of Teeth?

Clenching of teeth, also known as jaw clenching, is a condition where individuals unconsciously tighten their jaw muscles, leading to the teeth grinding against each other. This habitual action can occur both during the day and at night, often without the person's awareness.

Over time, clenching can lead to various dental problems, including tooth wear, enamel erosion, and even fractures. It can also cause jaw pain, headaches, and disorders of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Recognizing and addressing this condition is essential for preserving oral health and overall well-being.

How does TCM View Clenching of Teeth?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a unique perspective on clenching of teeth, viewing it not merely as a mechanical problem but as a symptom of deeper imbalances within the body. According to TCM, symptoms like teeth clenching arise from disharmonies in the body's energetic pathways.

These imbalances could be related to emotional distress, internal organ dysfunction, or the invasion of external pathogenic factors. TCM emphasizes the importance of identifying the specific pattern of disharmony in each individual, as this dictates the appropriate treatment approach.

Root Causes of Clenching Of Teeth in TCM

In TCM, clenching of teeth is often attributed to internal disharmonies such as Phlegm and Wind. For example, Turbid Phlegm Blocking the Orifices can manifest symptoms like clenching of teeth alongside others such as coma, loss of consciousness, and copious sputum. This condition indicates an accumulation of Phlegm that obstructs the sensory orifices, including those affecting the jaw.

Another cause is Heat victorious stirring Wind, characterized by symptoms like high fever, convulsions, and clenching of teeth, suggesting an internal disturbance where excess heat generates wind, leading to involuntary muscle movements. These examples highlight TCM's holistic approach, focusing on underlying imbalances rather than isolated symptoms.

Explore below more details about what might cause Clenching of teeth according to TCM.

Phlegm

In TCM "Phlegm" as a pattern of disharmony is a complex concept that extends beyond the physical manifestation of mucus. It represents a pathological factor that can disrupt the flow of Qi (vital energy) and blood, leading to various health issues. Phlegm in TCM is seen as a sticky, turbid substance arising from the body's inability to metabolize fluids properly, often due to a dysfunction of the spleen. It's not only associated with respiratory problems like cough and congestion but also with systemic issues. Symptoms can include a feeling of heaviness, mental cloudiness, dizziness, and in some cases, the formation of lumps or masses. Phlegm can even be "invisible," contributing to emotional disturbances like depression or stress. ... see more

Phlegm Patterns That Can Lead to Clenching Of Teeth

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Turbid Phlegm Blocks Orifices	Clenched jaw, Coma, Loss of consciousness, Clenching of teeth, Shortness of breath, Pale face, Copious sputum, Drooling... see more	Tong Guan San

Wind

In TCM "Wind" is a concept that represents a pattern of disharmony, often characterized by its sudden and unpredictable nature, much like a gusty wind changing direction without warning. This pattern is associated with symptoms that come and go quickly or move around the body, such as itching, tremors, or even certain types of pain. Wind is considered to be a primary cause of illnesses that have these rapidly changing characteristics. In TCM, external Wind often refers to illnesses that start suddenly, like the common cold, believed to be caused by external pathogenic factors like climatic changes. On the other hand, internal Wind can be linked to internal imbalances and can manifest in conditions like dizziness or spasms. ... see more

Wind Patterns That Can Lead to Clenching Of Teeth

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Heat victorious stirring Wind	Clenching of teeth, High fever, Loss of consciousness, Limb twitching, Convulsions, Stiff neck, Opisthotonos, Eyeballs turning up... see more	Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang

Heat

In TCM "Heat" signifies an excess of Yang energy, leading to an imbalance where heat predominates over the body's cool Yin aspects. This condition is metaphorically akin to an internal over-heating. Symptoms indicative of Heat can include feelings of warmth, fever, sweating, irritability, red face, thirst with a preference for cold drinks, and a rapid pulse. The tongue may appear red with a yellow coating. Unlike the common interpretation of heat in terms of temperature, in TCM, it represents a state of hyperactivity or inflammation in the body.... see more

Heat Patterns That Can Lead to Clenching Of Teeth

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Heat victorious stirring Wind	Clenching of teeth, High fever, Loss of consciousness, Limb twitching, Convulsions, Stiff neck, Opisthotonos, Eyeballs turning up... see more	Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang

Liver

In TCM the Liver is viewed as the organ responsible for the smooth flow of Qi, Blood, and emotions throughout the body. It plays a key role in regulating mood, storing blood, supporting digestion, and ensuring the health of tendons and eyes. When the Liver malfunctions or is imbalanced in TCM, it can lead to a range of issues such as irritability, mood swings, menstrual irregularities, eye problems, and muscular stiffness or pain. A malfunctioning Liver in TCM reflects not only physical disturbances but also emotional and mental disharmony, emphasizing the holistic approach of TCM in addressing health and wellness.... see more

Liver Patterns That Can Lead to Clenching Of Teeth

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Heat victorious stirring Wind	Clenching of teeth, High fever, Loss of consciousness, Limb twitching, Convulsions, Stiff neck, Opisthotonos, Eyeballs turning up... see more	Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang

TCM Herbal Formulas for Clenching Of Teeth

To address clenching of teeth, TCM relies on carefully selected formulas and herbs tailored to the individual's specific disharmony. For conditions arising from Turbid Phlegm, formulas like Tong Guan San, which warms and opens sensory orifices with key herbs such as Chinese Honeylocust Abnormal Fruits, are recommended to transform Phlegm and alleviate symptoms.

In cases where Heat victorious stirs Wind, formulas like Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang, featuring Saiga antelope's horns, are used to pacify Internal Liver Wind and stop tremors, including those causing teeth clenching. These examples illustrate the personalized nature of TCM treatments, aiming to restore balance and address the root cause of symptoms.

Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address clenching of teeth, organized by cause and by formula type.

Top Formula for Phlegm:
Tong Guan San

Suitable for Phlegm patterns that may cause clenching of teeth, such as Turbid Phlegm Blocks Orifices

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Top Formula for Wind:
Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang

Suitable for Wind patterns that may cause clenching of teeth, such as Heat victorious stirring Wind

Learn more

Top Formula for Heat:
Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang

Suitable for Heat patterns that may cause clenching of teeth, such as Heat victorious stirring Wind

Learn more

Acupoints for Clenching Of Teeth

TCM also incorporates acupuncture as a method to treat clenching of teeth, focusing on acupoints that can help rebalance the body's energy. One such acupoint is Tianchuang SI-16, located on the neck. This point is chosen for its effectiveness in calming the Mind, subduing rebellious Qi, expelling Interior Wind, and benefiting the ears, which can indirectly alleviate the tension leading to teeth clenching.

By stimulating specific acupoints like Tianchuang SI-16, TCM practitioners aim to address the internal disharmonies contributing to this condition, offering a holistic approach to treatment and relief.

See more details below about Tianchuang SI-16, an acupoint used to address clenching of teeth.

Tianchuang SI-16

In the lateral aspect of the neck, on the posterior border of sternocleidomastoid muscle, lever with the Adam's apple.