The Connection Between Stress and Tension in Your Jaw

When you’re feeling stressed, your body naturally responds by tightening its muscles, including the ones in your face, jaw, and neck. Chronic stress causes constant tension, which, over time, can strain the temporomandibular joints, which connect your jaw to your skull. Tight facial muscles may lead to stiffness, soreness, and even limited jaw movement, all common symptoms associated with TMJ disorders.

Clenching, Grinding, and Bruxism

Stress is one of the leading causes of teeth clenching and grinding (also known as bruxism). Many people clench their jaws during the day without realizing it, while others grind their teeth at night while they sleep. This repeated pressure places excessive strain on the jaw joints and surrounding muscles. Over time, bruxism can wear down your tooth enamel, cause tooth sensitivity and cracks, and significantly aggravate TMJ symptoms.

How Stress Worsens TMJ Symptoms

If you already have TMJ issues, stress can intensify your discomfort. Increased muscle tension and frequent clenching can lead to inflammation around the joint, making symptoms like jaw pain, clicking or popping sounds, earaches, and headaches more pronounced. In some cases, stress can even contribute to flare-ups that make everyday activities, such as eating or speaking, uncomfortable.

Managing Stress to Protect Your Jaw

Reducing stress is an important step in managing TMJ symptoms. Techniques such as mindfulness, regular exercise, stretching, and adequate sleep can help relax your facial muscles and reduce clenching. If your TMJ symptoms persist, talk to your dentist. They may recommend solutions such as a custom nightguard, physical therapy, or other therapies to relieve pressure on your jaw and help you achieve long-term relief.

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A study published in the Journal of Dentistry shows a connection between post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), temporomandibular disorders (TMDs), and awake bruxism (daytime teeth grinding)  [1].

These findings suggest important implications for dentists when treating patients with jaw pain and oral health issues. Here’s what the study found and what it could mean for patients who have PTSD.

PTSD and Oral Health: Understanding the Connection

The study examined 701 patients with an average age of 46. Researchers found that patients with PTSD were more likely to develop painful TMDs and awake bruxism compared to those without the condition.

Even patients with subthreshold post-traumatic stress symptoms—those who have some symptoms but don’t completely meet the criteria for the disorder—showed higher odds of painful TMD and sleep bruxism than those who had experienced no traumatic events.

Symptom Severity Correlation

One of the most interesting findings of the study was that the more PTSD symptoms a person had, the more likely they were to clench or grind their teeth while awake. In fact, among all the groups studied, people with awake bruxism showed the highest rates of PTSD at 14.7%.

This direct relationship suggests that jaw problems might actually be physical manifestations of psychological distress. Based on these findings, the research team recommends that dentists consider screening for trauma history when patients come in with jaw pain or teeth grinding issues, as addressing the underlying psychological factors could be crucial for successful treatment.

This research supports previous knowledge that jaw clenching and teeth grinding may be linked to emotional symptoms like stress, depression, and anxiety [2].

Clinical Implications for Dental Professionals

The study’s findings suggest that dentists may need to:

• Consider incorporating trauma screening into their patient evaluation protocols, especially for those presenting with TMDs or bruxism.
• Work with mental health specialists, especially for patients with both PTSD and jaw pain, to improve treatment outcomes [3].
• Be more aware of the potential connection between psychological trauma and physical symptoms to allow for more targeted interventions.

Do You Clench or Grind Your Teeth?

As dentists understand more about how psychological factors can contribute to their patients’ symptoms, oral health professionals will play an even bigger role in comprehensive care for patients with both oral health issues and mental health challenges.

If you clench or grind your teeth, don’t wait to make an appointment with your dentist. They can conduct a thorough screening to determine if you suffer from bruxism or TMDs and help you discover your options for long-term oral health and wellness!

Sources:

1. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0300571225001010?via%3Dihub
2. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7793806/
3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19758407/

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Misaligned bites can cause temporomandibular joint (TMJ) symptoms, including an aching jaw, popping or clicking noises when using your jaw, and other discomfort. How does a misaligned bite cause TMJ symptoms? Here’s what you need to know.

A Misaligned Jaw Can Cause Your TMJ to Malfunction

Having an improper bite can put stress on your temporomandibular joints, which are responsible for your jaw movement. When these two joints—located close to your ears—can’t function properly due to a misaligned bite, you can experience symptoms such as [1]:

• Pain in your jaw or around your ears
• Difficulty chewing
• Trouble opening and closing your mouth
• A clicking or popping sound when moving your jaw

While not everyone will experience discomfort as a result of TMJ malfunction, some people will experience chronic pain that needs professional treatment.

An Improper Bite May Cause Muscle Tension

The muscles that support your temporomandibular joints are powerful—they have to be to help you chew food! However, when you have an improper bite that causes these joints to malfunction, it can cause tension in the surrounding muscles.

Chronic tension in your jaw muscles can lead to headaches and facial pain [2]. For some people, this pain can even radiate outwards towards the neck, shoulders, and upper back. Fortunately, seeking treatment for your TMJ symptoms can help you resolve this tension so you can experience pain-free jaw movement!

Fixing Your Bite Can Help

The good news is that if your misaligned bite is causing your TMJ disorder, fixing your bite is your best bet to alleviate your discomfort [3]. The most effective form of treatment is generally orthodontics, which can repair the bite long-term to prevent TMJ symptoms from returning. Your dentist can examine your bite and discuss your TMJ symptoms with you to determine what your next steps should be.

Suffering From TMJ? There Is Treatment!

For those living with a TMJ disorder, chronic jaw discomfort can be incredibly frustrating and painful. But there is treatment for those suffering from TMJ pain. Could your misaligned bite be causing your TMJ symptoms? A visit to your dentist can help you discover if the key to having a healthy jaw is by fixing your improper bite!

Sources:
1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tmj/symptoms-causes/syc-20350941
2. https://www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/diseases-and-
3. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/t/tmj

The post Your Misaligned Bite May Be Causing TMJ appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

However, these joints can also cause problems for those who have misaligned teeth, an improper bite, or arthritis. TMJ disorders can cause many symptoms, including clicking or popping noises, inability to open the mouth all the way, and jaw pain.

But what are some other, more unexpected symptoms of TMJ you may not have heard of?

Ear Pain

Ear aches or infections can happen as the result of TMJ issues [1]. Since the temporomandibular joints are so close to the ears, ear problems may be misdiagnosed when really the TMJ is the culprit.

People who have ear problems as the result of TMJ may have a feeling of fullness in their ear or tinnitus (ringing of the ears). While experts aren’t sure why this happens, your dentist can help diagnose any TMJ problems, especially if you’ve received treatment for ear issues that hasn’t helped.

Affected Vision

Your vision in one or both eyes may be affected as the result of TMJ inflammation or malfunction [2]. But why does this happen?

The temporomandibular joints are very close to a major nerve called the trigeminal nerve, which is also linked to your vision in addition to your jaw and brain. If these joints are inflamed, they may affect your vision.

Problems may include blurry vision, “tired” eyes, a feeling of pressure behind the eyes, or even light sensitivity or watery eyes.

Neck or Shoulder Pain

TMJ problems often lead to muscle tension in the jaw, which can cause pain and tension to radiate outward to affect your neck and even your shoulders and upper back [3].

In addition, to compensate for jaw pain as the result of TMJ, you may unconsciously hold your head or neck in an unnatural position to help reduce your discomfort. Poor posture is a symptom of TMJ discomfort, but can also be a cause as well!

Dizziness

Since TMJ disorders can affect the ears, some people may experience dizziness. The muscles and connective tissue that support the jaw can experience inflammation as a result of a problem with the TMJ, and this, in turn, can affect the inner ear.

The inner ear helps manage your sense of balance, so a problem with your inner ear as the result of TMJ inflammation could lead to vertigo as a symptom of TMJ disorders [4].

Numbness or Tingling

Since the TMJ is so close to the trigeminal nerve, any inflammation around these joints could possibly lead to numbness or tingling in your arms, legs, or fingers as the result of a pinched trigeminal nerve. You may also experience weakness or an aching feeling in these areas [5].

While this isn’t a common symptom, it’s something to consider if you’re having other TMJ symptoms in addition to symptoms of a pinched nerve.

Are You Experiencing Any of These Symptoms?

TMJ disorders are treatable. If you’re experiencing any of these or the more common symptoms of a problem with your temporomandibular joints, don’t hesitate to seek help from your experienced dentist!

Sources:
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4296994/
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5045971/
3. https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/health-and-wellness/2016/april/tmj-
the-small-joint-that-can-cause-big-pain
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4296954/
5. http://www.ajnr.org/content/30/7/1414

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Crooked teeth affect more than just your appearance. When teeth don’t align together properly, they can cause oral health consequences that impact your smile. Here’s how misaligned teeth can affect your oral health as well as what you can do about it!

Crooked Teeth Are Difficult to Clean

When teeth are crowded or overlap, they’re difficult to properly clean. Even with the right tools and habits such as daily brushing and flossing, misaligned teeth make it more difficult to adequately remove plaque to prevent oral health problems.

If plaque is left on the teeth—especially near the gumline—it can build up and form into a hardened substance called tartar. Both plaque and tartar can cause gingivitis, the beginning stage of gum disease. Having misaligned teeth influences your risk of developing gum disease in your lifetime [1].

Misaligned Teeth Can Increase Your Risk for Bruxism

Teeth grinding, also called bruxism, is when you consciously or unconsciously grind your teeth. Bruxism is incredibly damaging to your teeth and could happen due to stress, anxiety, or a misaligned bite [2].

When teeth don’t sit properly in the jaw, it can place stress on your temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which can lead to tension and pain. The relationship between bruxism and TMJ disorders is complex, but misaligned teeth are a risk factor for both conditions.

Potential Jaw Issues

Misaligned teeth can also exist with an improper bite, which can place stress on the jaw. This could lead to TMJ symptoms such as jaw stiffness and pain as we’ve seen, or it could even lead to problems with speaking and chewing [3]. Typically, people who correct their misaligned teeth experience a decrease in their symptoms and are able to chew and speak more comfortably.

Treatment Options for Misaligned Teeth

There are many treatment options for crooked teeth to help improve your appearance, your oral health, and your bite. Your choices will all depend on your unique case which makes getting an assessment with your dentist or orthodontist an important step.

You may have the option of going with a retainer-type device that helps move your bite or teeth into their proper positions, or, more commonly, you’ll have the option of braces or Invisalign. Your oral healthcare professional can let you know more about your treatment options during your consultation!

Are Misaligned Teeth Impacting Your Oral Health?

If you have misaligned teeth and your oral health has been impacted, it’s time to schedule an appointment with your dentist to see what can be done. Crooked teeth can influence your risk for gum disease, tooth decay, and jaw discomfort, and straightening your teeth can be an influential form of treatment to help improve your oral health!

Sources:
1. https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/conditions/periodontal-disease.html#Risk
2. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/t/teeth-grinding
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK553375/

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For some patients who have bite or skeletal problems with their jaw that affect their daily function and cause pain, surgical orthodontics may be necessary. Let’s dig a little deeper into what surgical orthodontics is and what it could mean for you!

What Is Surgical Orthodontics?

Surgical orthodontics is a form of orthodontic treatment designed for people who have issues that can’t be corrected with braces or other orthodontic devices alone. Surgical orthodontics can help these people have a shorter treatment time and an improved aesthetic for their orthodontia [1].

For some people who need surgical orthodontics, orthodontic appliances will be used both before and after the surgery to correct the teeth and bite. It’s important to know all your options when pursuing orthodontic treatment so that you can make the best decision for you.

Who Qualifies?

Not everyone will need surgical orthodontics to correct their smile. However, if your upper and lower jaws don’t quite fit together and they prevent you from chewing and speaking properly or without discomfort, it could be time to consult an oral surgeon.

Sometimes surgical orthodontics is necessary for adults whose jaws have fully formed and so are more difficult to maneuver into their proper positions than a child or teenager. Generally, surgical orthodontics is reserved for more severe or challenging orthodontic cases.

You won’t know for certain if you qualify without an exam and consultation with your orthodontist. For some people, the cause of their jaw misalignment will be genetic and have to do with their facial structure, while for others, an injury could have done damage that requires surgery to fix [2].

What to Expect if Surgical Orthodontic Treatment Is Necessary

To determine if you might need surgical orthodontic treatment, you’ll visit your orthodontist, who may refer you to an oral surgeon. If they recommend surgical orthodontics to move forward with your treatment, your oral surgeon and orthodontist will work closely together throughout each phase in the process to achieve your beautiful, functional smile as the end result [3].

Your oral surgeon and orthodontist will design a comprehensive treatment plan that includes predictable outcomes based on your unique facial structure. They’ll discuss with you if you need braces before or after the treatment. If you need braces after, your treatment will usually begin about 4-6 weeks after your procedure.

Is Surgical Orthodontics for You?

To find out if you could need surgical orthodontics to correct your smile and alleviate your jaw pain, schedule an appointment with your experienced dentist who can refer you to an orthodontist or oral surgeon if necessary. Living without jaw pain is possible, and your oral healthcare professionals are here to help you get there!

Sources:
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28538022
2. https://www.aaoinfo.org/blog/parent-s-guide-post/surgical-orthodontics/
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3805731/pdf/10-1055-s-0033-

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Biting Your Nails Can Cause Tooth Enamel Damage

The main component of your fingernails is keratin, which is a type of protein that also constitutes your hair. This hard substance has the ability to cause teeth to shift, fracture, and even to wear away tooth enamel over time [1]. Your teeth may be more susceptible to these types of injury if they already have existing damage, such as a fracture, decay, or gum disease, which can cause loose teeth.

Nail Biting Affects Plaque and Oral Bacteria

Did you know that nail biting also affects the amount of plaque in your oral cavity, as well as the balance of bacteria [2]? Since your hands and fingers are exposed to a variety of germs throughout the day, compulsively biting your nails can expose your oral cavity to bacteria it would normally wouldn’t be exposed to.

People who bite their nails also have higher levels of plaque in their mouths, which is the sticky substance that coats teeth throughout the day in between brushing. Nail biting also exposes people to more bacteria that could cause both oral and systemic infections, including E. coli [2].

It May Even Increase Your Risk for TMJ Problems

Another consequence of nail biting for your smile is that it could increase your risk for problems with your jaw. Your temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which is located near your ear on either side of your head, allows your jaw to function properly. Overuse of this joint can cause discomfort and inflammation, which could lead to what are commonly referred to as TMJ disorders. Some evidence shows that chronic nail biting can increase your risk for TMJ disorders or aggravate an existing problem with your jaw[3].

Do You Bite Your Nails?

Nail biting is generally not considered to be a helpful or healthy habit, especially since it can damage teeth, expose you to dangerous bacteria, and overwork your jaw. Whether you’re an occasional nail biter or have had the habit for years, there are ways to stop. From keeping your nails short to identifying your triggers, consider curbing your nail biting habit to support your oral health and reduce your risk for getting sick!

Sources:
1. https://vitalrecord.tamhsc.edu/biting-nails/
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4456744/?report=classic
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5141299/pdf/CRID2016-5475462.pdf

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There are several factors that can cause the TMJ to function improperly—and cause pain and discomfort as a result. The following are some of the most common signs of an issue with the TMJ, so don’t ignore them!

Headaches

Headaches can result from muscle tension from an improperly functioning TMJ [1]. The muscles and connective tissue that allow the TMJ to function can be strained when the joint is out of alignment, leading to tension.

This tension can then spread throughout the head, neck, and even the shoulders and upper back. People who experience headaches regularly with no known cause might consider visiting their dentist for an assessment of their TMJ to determine if this jaw joint could be at the root of the issue!

Jaw Popping or Clicking

Another common sign of a problem with the TMJ that often goes ignored are odd sounds that happen when chewing, speaking, or yawning. For some, these sounds will only be audible to the person experiencing them, while for others, these noises are obvious even to other people. The noises can vary but could include clicking, grinding, popping, or even crunching sounds [2].

If you’re experiencing any of these sounds when you move your jaw in correlation with the other signs discussed here, you could have a TMJ disorder!

Ear Trouble

Many people don’t realize that a problem with the ears could actually point to a problem with your temporomandibular joint. If you frequently experience ear pain or aching around the ear, don’t overlook the TMJ as a potential cause [3].

Some people who have a TMJ disorder also experience tinnitus, which is a ringing or buzzing noise in the ears only audible to the experiencer. Because the temporomandibular joint is so close to the ears, it’s important not to rule out its role in ear discomfort or problems.

Discomfort When Chewing or Speaking

Another common sign of TMJ disorders is pain or discomfort when the jaw is in motion, such as when chewing or speaking [4]. However, for some people, this pain is chronic and may persist even when the jaw is at rest.

You may also experience sore facial muscles, and the discomfort may be intermittent or persistent. For many patients with TMJ issues, this discomfort impacts their daily life and will require some form of treatment to remedy.

Are You Experiencing Signs of TMJ Disorder?

TMJ disorders are treatable! By following up with your experienced dentist, you can uncover the root cause of your TMJ discomfort. Your dentist can help you find the right treatment to alleviate your discomfort, so don’t hesitate to ask your dentist about your jaw pain!

Sources:
1. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/your-jaw-may-be-to-blame-for-your-migraine-
headaches/
2. https://www.cda-
3. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tmj/symptoms-causes/syc-20350941
4. https://www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/diseases-and-

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This device consists of a machine with a tube and a mask that you attach to your face at night, and it circulates air in an effort to provide continuous pressure to keep your airway open, therefore preventing the airway collapse that comes with obstructive sleep apnea.

However, while CPAP therapy is effective when used properly, it’s also known for being too uncomfortable and noisy for many patients. For some, CPAP prevents the exact thing it’s designed to do—facilitate a good night’s rest and reduce sleep apnea symptoms.

Could your dentist help get you off your CPAP? Here’s how your oral healthcare professional might just be able to provide another way for sleep apnea relief!

Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT) for Sleep Apnea

An oral appliance is a device that’s similar to a retainer and is worn inside the mouth. This device prevents the collapsed airway and snoring that sleep apnea patients experience.

Oral appliances are custom-made for your unique jaw structure and come in different designs depending on what you need. Some of these devices shift the lower jaw forward, allowing the airway to remain open, and others prevent the tongue from blocking the airway during sleep [1].

Patients who use oral appliances for sleep apnea love the discreetness of the device, making not only sleeping but traveling easier. The device is simple, comfortable, and gives patients a new way to keep their airway open during sleep and stop the severe consequences associated with sleep apnea.

What Does Research Say About the Effectiveness of OAT?

Some patients might be hesitant to switch to an oral appliance from a CPAP machine. However, research shows that an oral appliance can be just as effective as CPAP, just without the discomfort!

Research shows that oral appliances can work as an effective alternative to CPAP for the majority of patients who suffer from sleep apnea [2]. Other studies show that patients who have mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea can benefit from oral appliances for their treatment [3].

Further research concluded that it was easier for patients to comply with OAT therapy as
opposed to CPAP, making it a viable option for long-term treatment [4]. Some people neglect to wear their CPAP mask nightly, as it can make sleeping uncomfortable and prevent patients from committing to the treatment long-term. However, treatment is essential to curb your sleep apnea symptoms, some of which can be life-threatening.

Tired of Your CPAP Machine?

If your doctor has prescribed a CPAP machine to manage your sleep apnea, it might be time to follow up with your dentist to determine if oral appliance therapy could work for you. For many patients, these devices provide a way to successfully manage sleep apnea without the need for a machine!

Sources:
1. https://www.aastweb.org/blog/benefits-of-sleep-apnea-dental-appliances-pros-and-
cons
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3738032/
3. https://academic.oup.com/sleep/article/36/9/1289/2453867
4. https://erj.ersjournals.com/content/50/suppl_61/PA4725

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Functional orthodontics helps reposition your upper and lower jaw to support a better facial profile [1]. This field of orthodontics works to correct both your teeth and your facial structure for people that are concerned about both their teeth and their facial aesthetics.

How else is functional orthodontics different from traditional orthodontic treatment?

A Different Approach to Straightening Teeth

In traditional orthodontics, teeth are treated without looking at the original cause of the problem.

For example, crowded teeth are typically treated by extracting the teeth that don’t have room and positioning the remaining teeth accordingly. However, in functional orthodontics, your orthodontist will actually use a device to expand the jaw to make room for all the teeth, thereby addressing the root cause of the issue—that there was not enough room in the jaw for all the teeth to begin with.

What are the benefits of such an approach?

By expanding the jaw, your orthodontist works to create a more even facial profile and can even influence airway development to prevent breathing issues. Functional orthodontics can also play a role in preventing temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, which can cause chronic pain in the jaw [2].

Functional orthodontics operates under the philosophy that dental abnormalities are caused by environmental factors and can be corrected without extractions.

Who Qualifies for Functional Orthodontics?

Both adults and children can benefit from functional orthodontics. One of the benefits of functional orthodontics is that its approach can prevent teeth from shifting after orthodontic treatment is complete.

There are a variety of functional orthodontic devices that can be used to stimulate growth of the jaw to correct alignment issues [3]. However, wearing the device as required by your orthodontist is essential to the success of your treatment.

Children may have trouble wearing the appliances as often as recommended, depending on their treatment plan. This is something you can discuss with your orthodontist during your child’s consultation!

Where to Find a Functional Orthodontist

Although all orthodontists are trained to improve aesthetics and function of the teeth, not every orthodontist practices functional orthodontics as a form of treatment. To find an orthodontist who works to address the root cause of the issue, you can ask whether they’ll be using an appliance to correct the jaw or if they’ll be extracting the teeth to make room.

Their approach to your orthodontic concerns will tell you whether or not the orthodontist practices a functional approach as opposed to a traditional one. Regardless of which form of orthodontic treatment you decide is for you, improving your smile will always have benefits!

Proper jaw position can support successful orthodontic treatment and provide the foundation patients need for a beautiful, problem-free smile. Consider functional orthodontics for your child or for your treatment as an adult for lasting results!

Sources:
1. http://www.aafo.org/
2. https://www.dentistryiq.com/clinical/occlusion-tmj-and-sleep-
medicine/article/16351120/functional-orthodontics-the-foundation-of-wholebody-
dentistry
3. https://www.jco-online.com/archive/2003/11/599-treatment-of-class-ii-division-2-
malocclusion-in-adults-biomechanical-considerations/

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