Stress can have a major impact on your day-to-day life, and not just psychologically. It can manifest in the form of consistent physical pain and discomfort. If you’re dealing with jaw pain, for instance, stress could be the root cause. Conditions like temporomandibular joint disorders are prime examples of stress-related jaw pain.

Understanding the Connection Between Stress and Jaw Pain

Dealing with stress can cause you to develop a wide range of unconscious behaviors. Jaw clenching and teeth grinding, which are symptomatic of bruxism, are two of the most common examples. They strain the muscles responsible for jaw movement, leading to pain and general discomfort.

The joint responsible for jaw movement is called the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), and it is very complex. It includes two discs located on either side of the jaw that allow movement in essentially any direction. There are many muscles and nerves responsible for driving that movement.

Putting strain on such a complex system can lead to injury and pain. And, unfortunately, it is a fairly common occurrence. Upwards of 12% of the adult population in the U.S. experiences some level of TMJ disorder. And though there can be many potential contributing factors, stress is among the most common.

Nevertheless, a TMJ disorder isn’t the only impact that stress has on your oral health. Clenching and grinding also wear down enamel and can even lead to cracked or chipped teeth. Worn teeth are more susceptible to tooth decay, and cracks and chips put you at risk of infection. Eventually, these issues could lead to the need for restorative dentistry to save or replace teeth.

Identifying Stress-related Jaw Pain

Stress isn’t the only potential cause of jaw pain, and it can be difficult to determine the exact cause of your pain. The best course of action is to visit your dentist to let them make the determination. However, there are some points you can consider to understand your jaw pain.

Pain induced by a stress-related TMJ disorder can come in several different forms. You might experience a constant ache in the muscles around your jaw, which is often accompanied by stiffness around the joints. Even headaches are a common symptom, as the muscles responsible for jaw movement spread across the face and sides of the head.

Stress-related jaw pain typically isn’t too severe. You may experience a lasting soreness and some bouts of stronger pain, but rarely is the pain sharp and sudden. Other scenarios, such as arthritis within the TMJ, could be present in such a case.

Infections are another potential source of jaw pain, but they have some easier-to-spot hallmarks that you wouldn’t expect from stress-related pain. Swelling, redness, and warmth are all symptoms you would see only in cases of infection.

When you visit your dentist about your jaw pain, they’ll evaluate a variety of criteria to determine its root cause. Typically, you’ll receive X-rays or other imaging to identify and rule out various causes. 

Ultimately, there are so many potential causes of jaw pain that only a professional dental evaluation can reliably determine yours.

Relaxation Techniques to Alleviate Jaw Pain

If your jaw pain is related to stress, then alleviating that stress is, of course, vital to relieving the pain and safeguarding your oral health. Luckily, there are many different ways to ease stress, which means you’re very likely to find one that works best for you.

Deep-breathing exercises are one such exercise. When you feel stressed, take a moment to take the focus away and reduce your overall tension by taking a slow, deep breath, holding it, and then releasing it slowly. Do this whenever you notice yourself clenching your jaw to help alleviate strain.

Progressive muscle relaxation is another excellent stress-relief technique. It involves tensing and relaxing muscle groups throughout your body one at a time. For the jaw, you can briefly clench and then release the muscles. Focus on how you feel them relax, then repeat the sequence several times.

Lastly, mindful meditation can help you become more aware of your stress and jaw clenching so that you can relax and avoid any pain. The practice focuses on being present in the moment, observing your thoughts and physical sensations. Practicing mindfulness will help you stay in control of your stress and therefore reduce the behaviors that accompany that stress.

Take action on TMJ today with the best dentist in Dallas, TX.

If you’ve been dealing with persistent jaw pain, don’t let the problem get worse. Take the first step toward finding out what’s behind your jaw pain with an evaluation at Dallas Cosmetic Dental. We’ll identify whether a TMJ disorder or other dental issues are at hand and develop a custom plan to provide lasting relief, incorporating practical guidance and reliable treatments. Schedule an appointment today to get started.