Teeth Grinding – Bruxism

Individuals with cervical neck muscle tension and occipital regions behind the head and neck can also exhibit grinding of teeth because these muscles are not stablilized or in a neutral state.  Tight muscles need the support of a proper bite to allow the muscle resting length of muscle fibers to maintain a quality of physiologic rest.  When the terminal contact (occlusal) position of the jaws is either over closed or posteriorly positioned relative to an unstrained mandibular position, the muscles will continue to strain, twist and torque and opposing structures trying to seek a neutral relationship.  As long as hyperactivity of these straining muscles continues, the teeth that may be also mal aligned or lack vertical  support will continue to grind (brux).