Stress and Jaw Pain
People with regular jaw pain or soreness may be unaware that stress is the cause of their symptoms. Stress is a byproduct of the body reacting to and handling harmful situations but ongoing stress, can create physical issues. Stress-induced jaw pain is a common issue that can have long-term implications on dental health.
When a person is stressed, it is quite common for them to subconsciously clench or grind their teeth. Known as bruxism, this repetitive behavior can have a negative effect on the teeth, gums, and jawbone because it places excess strain on the jaw muscles and joint. As a result, it is common to experience muscle pain, a sore jaw, headaches, or tooth pain. Often, people are unaware of this behavior, and it frequently continues at night when they are sleeping. Although it is hard to treat problems when they occur without knowledge, there are several ways to combat the behavior, relieve stress, and improve sleep quality.
Continue reading to learn more about methods to relive stress related jaw pain and soreness.
Wearing a Mouth Guard When Sleeping
Because bruxism often occurs at night, wearing a mouth guard when sleeping can help reduce dental damage and alleviate stress-induced jaw pain. Mouth guards prevent the teeth from grinding against each other while providing a softer material to bite down on if the patient clenches their teeth. Available in standard sizes or custom fitted, mouth guards are an inexpensive method for reducing jaw pain in a short amount of time.
Ensure Proper Rest
Sleep position also plays an important role in minimizing teeth clenching or grinding at night. By sleeping in a position that is non-stressed, overnight teeth grinding can be reduced. Many companies make specialized pillows that are designed to keep the neck and head in neutral positions so as to avoid stress on the jaw. People often fail to realize that their jaw pain can also cause discomfort in the neck or lead to headaches or migraines. By adopting a proper sleep position, these pains can be avoided while also benefiting dental health.
Other Methods for Reducing Stress
- Identify Stressors: Be aware of the things that cause stress. Record the causes and/or time of day that stress manifests.
- Adjust the Situation or Avoid Stressors: Stress often rises when people run short on time for the responsibilities they have. Prepare in advance for stressful situations, set goals, identify priorities, set a schedule, and recognize it is ok to say “no” to anything that is overwhelming.
- Change Response: If a stressor is unavoidable, try changing the response to the event rather than simply reacting. Choose a response, take a deep breath, and create a space between the stressor and reaction.
- Accept the Uncontrollable: Rather than getting overwhelmed and being angry, try letting it go.
- Practice Healthy Living: Maintain a regular sleep routine and schedule that strives for eight hours each night. Adopt an exercise or fitness routine to boost endorphins in the brain.
- Practice Relaxation Techniques: Some stress is unavoidable and should be balanced with activities that help a person relax their mind. Listening to music, practicing yoga or meditation, or performing deep-breathing techniques can be beneficial.