Tooth grinding, also known as bruxism, can have painful consequences. If you grind and clench your teeth, you can chip them, wear down the enamel and develop headaches, jaw pain, earaches and tooth sensitivity. There are many physical and emotional causes of bruxism, including stress, anxiety, anger, insomnia, certain diseases and poor tooth alignment. Herbs may work on these root causes to help cure tooth grinding, but it's important to see your dentist for a proper diagnosis before starting herbal treatment.
Herbal Actions
Herbs for tooth grinding work in various ways to eliminate the causes of the problem. Adaptogens will help your body resist stress. Nervine herbs will help you relax and promote sleep if you take them before bedtime. Analgesic herbs may relieve pain and sensitivity in your jaw and teeth, making it easier for your dentist to properly align your teeth. Check with a knowledgeable practitioner for instructions about use, dosage and preparation of these herbs.
Chamomile
Chamomile, or Matricaria recutita, is a daisy-like herb native to Europe. Herbalists use the flowers to treat stress, anxiety, indigestion and stomach cramps. Chamomile is rich in volatile oil, flavonoids and coumarins, and has anti-inflammatory, nervine and anti-spasmodic actions. Chamomile may help with alignment problems by relieving inflammation in the joints and muscles around your jaw. In his 2003 book, "Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine," clinical herbalist David Hoffmann says that chamomile acts on nerves and muscles to alleviate spasms and relieve painful, tense muscles. You can take also chamomile before bedtime to relax your jaw muscles and prevent tooth grinding during the night. Do not use this herb if you are allergic to members of the Aster family.
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha, or Withania somnifera, is an Asian shrub and important adaptogenic herb in Indian Ayurvedic medicine. The roots contain potent steroids and alkaloids, including withanolides and withasomnine, that target nerves and muscles. In their 2009 book, "Medicinal Plants of the World," botanist Ben-Erik van Wyk and biologist Michael Wink say that herbalists traditionally use ashwagandha as a tonic to counter stress, which is one of the possible causes of tooth grinding. Ashwagandha may protect your nerves and muscles from the effects of tooth grinding, as well as increase your stress resistance to eliminate the need to grind your teeth. Do not use ashwagandha during pregnancy.
White Willow
White willow, or Salix alba, is a European deciduous tree with a long history of medicinal use. Herbalists use the bark for fever, rheumatism, headaches and arthritis. The active ingredient is salicin, which is metabolized to salicylic acid, a potent pain reliever and anti-inflammatory similar to aspirin. White willow may eliminate the muscle and joint pain and may reduce the inflammation in your teeth and gums, making it easier to correct alignment problems. Van Wyk and Wink say that, unlike aspirin, white willow does not cause stomach problems. Do not combine this herb with other pain relievers or anti-inflammatory medicines.
References
- "Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine"; David Hoffmann; 2003
- "Medicinal Plants of the World"; Ben-Erik van Wyk and Michael Wink; 2009
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