Most people understand that maintaining a healthy, comfortable smile involves a daily oral health maintenance routine, which includes brushing and flossing and regular visits to the dentist for examinations, cleanings, and, when necessary, dental treatment.
However, jaw health also plays a role in having a healthy smile. Jaw pain, discomfort, and other jaw health issues (also known as temporomandibular disorders (TMDs)) can not only lead to tooth and gum problems but can also affect your smile if the pain is severe.
Additionally, chronic jaw tension can trigger headaches, neck pain, and sleep disturbances, all of which can affect your overall well-being.
However, understanding the causes of jaw tension and knowing how to alleviate its effects can put you back on the road to a healthy, pain-free smile you will be proud to share with the world!
Common causes of jaw tension
Problems with your jaw can be rooted in several factors, including:
Stress and anxiety
When we are feeling stressed or anxious, our muscles tend to become tense, including those in the jaw. Jaw tension can manifest itself unconsciously into teeth clenching or grinding, a condition known as bruxism. Clenching or grinding teeth can flatten, crack, or break teeth and wear away at tooth enamel, the hard outer layer protecting the soft inner tissue in our teeth, potentially leading to cavities and tooth decay.
Poor posture
People with poor posture, especially forward head posture, can suffer from jaw health issues due to undue strain on the neck and jaw muscles. Symptoms include jaw pain, jaw joint clicking, and difficulty opening the mouth. Jaw pain, discomfort, misalignment, and premature wear and tear on the jaw joint can also result from poor forward head posture.
Tooth malocclusion
This condition, also known as a “bad bite”, occurs when the upper and lower teeth do not align properly when the mouth is closed. Tooth malocclusion can cause uneven pressure and strain on the jaw joints and muscles, potentially leading to tooth wear, tooth decay, gum disease, and difficulty chewing.
Other factors that can lead to jaw pain include any trauma to the jaw or pain, stiffness, and inflammation due to underlying systemic conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, or scleroderma.
Easy at-home jaw comfort tips
No matter the source of jaw tension, there are some techniques you can try to alleviate the symptoms and protect your oral health from issues that can affect your smile.
Gentle jaw stretching exercises
One of the best ways to relieve jaw tension is to stretch the jaw muscles with some safe, easy tension-busting techniques you can do anywhere. If you are wondering how to relax your jaw, try these gentle exercises:
Jaw relaxation techniques
Position your tongue on the roof of your mouth, behind your upper front teeth and gently open and close your mouth. Keep your teeth apart and focus on relaxing the jaw muscles.
Jaw stretch
Open your mouth as wide as you can without causing pain. Hold it open for a few seconds before slowly closing your mouth. Repeat this movement several times.
Side-to-side jaw movement
With your teeth slightly apart, move your jaw slowly from side to side. Gradually increase the distance between your teeth as the movement becomes easier. If it helps, place a tiny object, such as a tongue depressor, between your front teeth to keep the distance between your teeth even.
Chin tucks
Sit or stand up straight, with your spine lengthened, your head centered over your spine, and your shoulders back. Gently tuck your chin toward your chest and hold it there for a few seconds. Repeat this movement several times.
Hot and cold therapy for jaw comfort
Hot or cold compresses can also help alleviate jaw tension. A warm compress, such as a warm towel or heating pad, applied for 10 – 20 minutes to the jaw area can relax the jaw muscles and relieve tension. You can also try holding an ice pack or other cold compress to the jaw to help reduce inflammation and numb the area.
Gentle jaw massage
Use your fingertips to gently massage the jaw and surrounding area in a circular motion. This movement can help relieve tension in the jaw joint.
Mindfulness and Meditation
Mindfulness techniques and meditation that include deep, focused breathing exercises can provide overall stress reduction and muscle relaxation, including in the jaw.
Practice good posture
Good posture helps keep your jaw in an ideal resting position and reduces strain on the jaw joint. If you notice yourself slouching when standing or sitting, especially when working on the computer, adjust your posture by meeting your spine and pushing the crown of your head toward the ceiling.
The role of your dentist in jaw health
Your dentist is your partner in optimizing your oral health, which includes your jaw!
Many dental professionals, include a jaw examination at every checkup to ensure it does not cause issues that can affect teeth, gums, and the ability to chew or speak.
Jaw examinations include assessing your bite alignment, checking jaw function, and recommending treatment to alleviate the impact of tense jaws on your oral health. For example, if you are grinding your teeth while sleeping, your dentist can recommend a custom-fitted mouthguard to wear at night. The night guard may not prevent the grinding but will eliminate tooth-on-tooth contact that leaves you with cracked, chipped, flattened, or broken teeth or compromised enamel that can lead to cavities.
Your dentist may also recommend other oral appliance treatments to help you have a healthier jaw, which in turn will heal your teeth and gums.
If you have jaw pain, or any other jaw or dental issues that cause you concern, make an appointment with the expert team at Yonge Eglinton Dental. We are here to help you take care of your overall oral health with care and compassion so you have happy, healthy smiles that will last a lifetime!
Learn helpful healthy jaw habits from the dental experts at Yonge Eglinton Dental in Toronto
Talk to our dental health team when you are ready to optimize your oral health. We will work together to ensure your teeth and gums look great and are as strong and healthy as possible. Make an appointment for an office visit today by calling our office at 416-932-2222 or booking online. We look forward to seeing you!
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