Stress and Jaw Pain
Jaw pain can be an unfortunate side effect of stress from daily life. Stress is how the body reacts to harmful situations but persistent stress can actually present physical issues. If you are experiencing jaw pain, it is important to consult your dentist immediately to diagnose any underlying issues. If your dentist does not find tooth decay or fracture and you do not have a tooth abscess, your jaw pain may be stress related.
Fortunately, even if your jaw pain is stress related, your dentist will likely be able to provide you with a dental appliance to wear during sleep to help relieve any pressure associated with bruxism. Bruxism is the unconscious clenching and/or grinding that most of us unknowingly do in our sleep. Bruxism not only causes jaw pain but can also cause fractures in the teeth and exacerbate tooth wear. Undue strain on the temporomandibular joint and surrounding muscles can cause a patient to frequently wake up with a sore jaw, facial muscle pain, tooth pain, or even a headache.
Managing daily stressors can help relieve symptoms associated with jaw pain and clenching. Some patients may consider consulting their general practitioner to see if an anti-anxiety medication would help with long-term symptoms of stress.
Being aware of stress in your daily life can be challenging but there are steps that you can take on your own to reduce symptoms and heal your body!
Identify Stressors
A daily journal is a great tool for some to make note of their day and how they felt throughout. It can help identify what time of day they feel stressed or anxious the most or if a specific event is stressful. Identifying a stressor that is repeated regularly can help one learn how to deal with it if they cannot avoid it.
Avoid Those Stressors!
Which brings us to avoidance! If there is any way to avoid certain situations or persons that cause you to have a negative reaction, do what you can to be your own best advocate and look out for yourself and avoid that stressor. Learn to say “no” (which can be easier said than done) when you feel overwhelmed or have too much on your plate.
If you cannot avoid a certain stressor, accept it as part of your life and take a breath to mindfully choose your response to the person or situation.
Improve Your Lifestyle
Exercise is great for improving your physical AND mental well-being. A simple walk in the morning or after dinner can boost endorphins and lighten your mood. Patients with high stress levels also benefit from good sleep hygiene. Additionally, yoga or meditation can help calm your mind, giving you a moment to stop thinking about your stressors and become more mindful of your body as a whole.
Massage, trigger point therapy, dry needling, and ultrasound are all great treatments for TMJ issues for patients who cannot improve their jaw pain on their own. These options help reduce headaches, neck and facial pain, and may even improve range of motion. Your dentist is the first step to determine the cause of your jaw pain but it is important to know you have additional tools at your disposal if your dentist determines that your jaw pain is not related to any dental issues.