Jaw Grinding at Night? It Might Be Heartburn (GORD / GERD)!
Do you clench or grind your teeth at night?
Maybe your dentist or a loved one has pointed it out…
Or maybe you only notice it when your jaw starts to hurt or feel tight.
But here’s something many people don’t realize:
Heartburn (also known as reflux, GERD or GORD) can be a major trigger for night-time clenching and grinding.
🌀 How it works:
When stomach acid flows back up into your esophagus and sometimes into your mouth while lying down or sleeping, it can trigger your body’s protective responses—one of which may include clenching or grinding to protect your airway or respond to discomfort.
💥 If your clenching and grinding are causing jaw pain or injury, you need to look beyond just treating the symptoms.
Taking antacids may help relieve the burning, but to truly fix the jaw problem, you need to address the root cause of your heartburn.
📌 Common causes of heartburn include:
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Irregular meal schedules
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Helicobacter pylori infection
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High-fat or oily foods
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Dairy or wheat sensitivity
👉 Speak with your doctor to investigate your reflux and digestive health.
A healthier gut might just mean a healthier jaw.
Happy Rehab!
Cheers,
Metro Physiotherapy Channel
🌐 www.metrophysiotherapy.com.au
📌 This video is for general education only. Please seek your own assessment and care from a qualified health professional.