In today’s modern digital world, laptops, desktops, cellphones, and mobile devices have all become a part of our everyday lives. Unfortunately, this adds up to a lot of time staring at screens.
Although most people recognize the correlation between screen time and eye health, your oral health may also be affected by extended screen time. From persistent jaw pain to nighttime teeth grinding, spending hours in the digital world is quietly reshaping oral health for many Canadians, including families, professionals, and visitors right here in Midtown Toronto.
In this blog, we uncover the relatively little-known connection between screen time and your oral health.
Why Screen Time Affects More Than Just Your Eyes
Life in our Yonge and Eglinton area operates at a fast digital pace, especially with so many residents working remotely or in hybrid setups. Throw in video streaming, online puzzles and games, using food and ride apps, and accessing other digital services, and it is little wonder that statistics show that Canadians spent approximately 6 hours and 18 minutes per day on the internet across all devices in 2024. These numbers only reflect time accessing the Internet, and do not include the many hours using offline software such as Word, Excel, or other productivity tools.
While increased connectivity offers many advantages, it also brings hidden risks to your oral health. Hours spent leaning over laptops or scrolling on phones can lead to forward head posture, straining the muscles around the jaw joint. The constant flow of work emails, social media notifications, and catching up with your favourite influencers can also contribute to stress-related dental problems.
Jaw Pain from Digital Posture
Working long hours from a home-based office or bustling café in Midtown Toronto offers many convenient advantages. However, these advantages can also often come at the expense of proper posture and, as a result, your oral health.
Forward Head Posture and Muscle Strain
Tilting your head forward to view a screen pulls on the muscles that support your jaw, creating tension in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). This is the hinge that allows you to open and close your mouth properly.
Over time, the muscle strain from incorrect forward head posture can result in jaw pain, clicking sounds when chewing, or even difficulty opening the mouth fully. Many patients believe that jaw pain is the result of a dental health issue alone, such as impacted wisdom teeth, but are surprised to learn that their chronic discomfort can also stem from the way they sit when viewing their desktops, laptops, tablets, or cell phones.
Impact on Jaw Alignment and Teeth Grinding
Poor posture does not just cause muscle fatigue. It can also affect jaw alignment, which may lead to bruxism (teeth grinding), a condition where the upper and lower teeth grind or clench against each other. If left untreated, bruxism can lead to chipped teeth, gum recession, and even recurring headaches, all of which can have lasting effects on your smile and overall well-being.
Many patients are unaware whether they grind their teeth, and often only find out when their dentist finds that their teeth have ground down or are showing cracks.
Stress and Teeth Grinding from Always Being “On”
For many professionals, the 9-to-5 workday is a thing of the past. Today’s hyper-competitive work culture often requires instant and ongoing availability. The inability to “leave work behind” to enjoy family and leisure time is becoming more commonplace with every mobile “ping” that demands your attention.
The resulting “always on” mindset keeps the brain in a heightened state of alert, raising your levels of the stress hormone cortisol. When chronically elevated, cortisol manifests physically, often through unconscious jaw clenching and grinding, particularly during sleep.
The results of this silent form of bruxism can be morning headaches, tender jaw muscles, tooth sensitivity, and microscopic cracks in your tooth’s enamel. If these symptoms suddenly present themselves without explanation, consider making an appointment with your dentist for a complete examination.
Healthy Tech Habits to Protect Your Smile
When a patient has a bad habit that is impacting their oral health, we usually encourage them to make lifestyle changes that eliminate the behaviour. However, we understand that asking patients to give up or minimize screen time is not feasible in today’s fast-paced society.
Instead, we are providing some healthy tech habits that will help minimize the effect of screen time on your oral health.
Ergonomic Setups for Desk Workers
A healthy workstation is essential, especially if you are logging long hours at your desk. Adjusting your screen to eye level, keeping both feet flat on the floor, and using a supportive chair can dramatically reduce strain on your jaw and neck muscles.
Micro-Breaks to Relax Jaw Muscles
Incorporate brief breaks throughout your day. Stretch your neck, roll your shoulders, and gently massage your jaw muscles. Even 60 seconds every hour can help prevent harmful tension from building up and affecting your oral health.
Visit Your Dentist Regularly to Fight TMJ Problems and Bruxism in Toronto
Be sure to visit your dentist at least twice per year to ensure that your oral health has not been compromised by bad posture or other reasons. If you are looking for a new professional dental team in Midtown Toronto, we would be happy to welcome you to Yonge Eglinton Dental!
Professional Help for Tech-Driven Dental Issues
At Yonge Eglinton Dental, we understand how modern lifestyles can impact oral health. We offer a wide range of comprehensive dental services, including complete evaluations for TMJ disorders and bruxism, along with custom night guards to protect your teeth while you sleep and help stop small problems from escalating into major dental concerns.
Give our office a call today to make an appointment. Your smile – and jaw muscles – will thank you!
Prevent the hidden effects of screen time on your smile with help from the dental experts at Yonge Eglinton Dental in Toronto
Contact 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!
Are you concerned about visiting the dentist? Read about how we protect the health and safety of our patients and staff so your family can seek proper dental care with peace of mind.
The Hidden Effects of Screen Time on Your Oral Health: FAQs
Can looking at screens really cause jaw problems?
Not directly, but the posture and stress linked to prolonged screen use can strain the jaw joints and lead to TMJ issues.
How do I know if I am grinding my teeth at night?
Jaw pain in the morning, tooth sensitivity, and headaches are common signs. Your dentist can confirm bruxism during an exam.
What can I do during the day to prevent jaw strain?
Maintain proper posture, take micro-breaks, and consciously relax your jaw. Simple changes can make a big difference.
Is jaw pain from screen time permanent?
No. With early intervention, including posture improvements, stress management, and professional dental care, symptoms can be resolved or significantly reduced.
When should I see a dentist about jaw discomfort?
Seek professional dental help if you experience persistent jaw pain, difficulty opening your mouth, or visible tooth damage to help prevent long-term dental health issues.
