Can Hypnosis Help Bruxism? Exploring a Fascinating Case Study

Teeth grinding during sleep, also known as bruxism, can be frustrating, painful, and exhausting for those experiencing it. Many people wake with jaw tension, headaches, damaged teeth, or disturbed sleep, often without even realising they have been grinding their teeth overnight.

While mouth guards and dental approaches are commonly recommended, some researchers and clinicians have explored whether there may also be an emotional or psychological component involved in certain cases of bruxism.

One particularly interesting case study published in the International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis explored the use of hypnotherapy for nocturnal bruxism. (PubMed)

The Case Study

The article followed a woman experiencing severe nocturnal bruxism. She attended a total of seven hypnotherapy sessions with the therapist.

During therapy, it became apparent that the client was carrying significant underlying emotional tension and unexpressed hostility. Some of these emotions were initially denied or outside of her awareness. The sessions also explored aspects of a difficult childhood and emotional patterns that may have contributed to internal stress.

The hypnotherapy was not simply focused on “stopping teeth grinding.” Instead, it worked more broadly with emotional processing, awareness, relaxation, and psychological patterns.

By the end of the treatment:

• the client’s bruxism had disappeared,

• she reportedly stopped grinding her teeth during sleep,

• and follow-up one year later showed the symptoms had not returned. (PubMed)

The Ripple Effect

One of the most interesting observations in the article was what the author described as a “ripple effect.”

Although therapy was aimed at the bruxism itself, the client also experienced positive changes in other areas of life. She became more assertive in relationships, explored new directions personally, and appeared more confident overall.

Importantly, these life changes were not the direct focus of therapy, yet improvements seemed to emerge naturally alongside the reduction in symptoms. (PubMed)

What Does This Mean?

This does not mean that all bruxism is caused by emotional conflict, nor does it mean hypnosis is a guaranteed cure.

Bruxism is complex and may involve:

• stress and anxiety,

• sleep disturbances,

• medications,

• nervous system activation,

• dental alignment issues,

• lifestyle factors,

• or neurological contributors. (ScienceDirect)

However, this case study highlights something important:
for some people, physical symptoms may also have an emotional or stress-related component.

When emotional tension decreases, the body may no longer need to express that stress through unconscious habits such as clenching or grinding.

What Does the Research Say Overall?

The evidence for hypnotherapy and bruxism is still developing. Much of the literature currently consists of case studies, pilot studies, and smaller investigations rather than large-scale clinical trials.

Earlier research has also suggested that suggestive hypnotherapy may reduce nocturnal grinding and associated discomfort in some participants. (PubMed)

More recent reviews of sleep-related hypnosis research suggest hypnotherapy may be promising for certain sleep and stress-related conditions, although researchers continue to call for larger and more rigorous studies. (PubMed)

This case study offers an interesting reminder that the mind and body are often more connected than we realise.

For some individuals, bruxism may not only be about the teeth or jaw itself. It may also reflect stress, emotional suppression, nervous system overload, or unresolved tension held within the body.

Hypnotherapy is not a replacement for appropriate dental or medical care, but it may serve as a valuable complementary approach for some people, particularly when stress and emotional tension appear to play a role.

Reference and Susie Raso

Dowd, E. T. (2013). Nocturnal Bruxism and Hypnotherapy: A Case Study. International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, 61(2), 205–218. (PubMed)
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