The link between stress, anxiety and jaw pain

What causes jaw pain?

Jaw pain is usually caused by clenching or grinding your teeth – often unknowingly. This clenching and grinding is known as bruxism, and it creates more pressure within the jaw (or temporomandibular joints).

If this problem is left unchecked, it can turn into jaw dysfunction, also knowns as temporomandibular joint dysfunction or TMD.

Our brain’s ability to control our jaw muscles can diminish over time where there has been excessive clenching or grinding. Combined with the physical effects that stress has on our posture, as well as the muscles in the neck and shoulders, it can result in jaw or facial pain.

While TMD is the most common cause of jaw pain, other causes can include tooth and gum issues as well as arthritis.

"Stress and anxiety can make us more susceptible to clenching and grinding our teeth."

The link between stress, anxiety and jaw pain

As a physiotherapist with an expertise in TMD, I’ve noticed the greatest link my patients share is an elevated level of stress, and sometimes anxiety.

Stress and anxiety can make us more susceptible to clenching and grinding our teeth. It can happen while we are sleeping, or sub-consciously while we are awake.

Research reinforces what I have observed with my patients, showing a strong link between stress, anxiety and teeth grinding.

That being said, stress is not the only factor that can contribute to clenching and grinding your teeth. Other factors include sleep apnoea, snoring, smoking, drinking alcohol or caffeine, certain medications and illicit drugs.

Signs that stress is causing jaw dysfunction

As a society we lack an understanding of symptoms associated with the jaw, so people will often dismiss or simply accept their pain and discomfort. By the time I meet these patients, they have usually had these symptoms for months or even years.

Some of the most common signs and symptoms of joint dysfunction are:

difficulty and pain when eating certain foods, such as apples or nuts
jaw or face pain, can be one side only or both sides
clicking noises when opening and closing the mouth
episodes where the jaw becomes stuck or ‘locked’
neck pain, ear pain or headaches
in extreme cases, fear of meal times and weight loss (due to an inability to eat solid foods).

If you are experiencing these symptoms during a particularly difficult time, it is possible that stress is contributing to the problem.

Managing jaw pain and dysfunction

If you are experiencing jaw pain, tightness or clicking, speak to a trusted health professional. Treatment may include:

Managing stress and anxiety. Receiving support from a general practitioner plus a psychologist or counsellor would be beneficial. They can first of all assess if there are any underlying medical or mental health issues contributing to your jaw pain.
Avoiding alcohol, coffee and illicit drugs. These may contribute to grinding your teeth.
Jaw exercises. A physiotherapist who has an expertise in jaw dysfunction can help treat pain through very gentle jaw exercises. These can be done simply and discretely at home or work. The exercises I teach help to retrain the muscles controlling the jaw, which over time, restores the brain’s awareness of correct jaw position and movement.
Seeing your dentist. It’s important to see your dentist to check if clenching or grinding is affecting your teeth. If you are clenching and grinding during the night, they may recommend a night splint to prevent damage.
Assessment for sleep apnoea. Clenching and grinding your teeth may be an indication that you have sleep apnoea. Your doctor or dentist may recommend getting checked.