
24/08/2025
Can stress contribute to teeth grinding and jaw disorders?
Yes. Stress increases muscle tension throughout the body, including the jaw muscles. This heightened tension can lead to bruxism (teeth grinding), especially during sleep, which strains the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Over time, this can cause jaw pain, headaches, and other jaw-related disorders.
Here’s what I tell my patients:
1. Practice stress-relief techniques like meditation, deep breathing, yoga, or counseling.
2. Use a night guard while sleeping to protect your teeth from grinding.
3. Do jaw exercises or gentle physiotherapy to relax the TMJ muscles.
4. Maintain a healthy lifestyle: get enough sleep, limit caffeine and alcohol, and exercise regularly.
5. Schedule regular dental check-ups to monitor and manage any early signs of damage.