“The Hidden Jaw Stress Many Mums Carry (Without Even Realising It)” is a collaborative post.
As mums, we’re used to carrying a lot: mentally, emotionally, and physically. We feel it in our tight shoulders, stiff necks, and those end-of-day headaches that appear right when we finally sit down. But there’s another surprising place where stress likes to settle: your jaw.
That dull ache you feel in the morning, the clicking noise when you yaw or catching yourself clenching your teeth during school runs, chores, or late-night planning sessions. These little signs often go unnoticed, yet they’re your body’s way of saying, “Hey, I’m overwhelmed.”
Stress-related jaw tension is incredibly common for mums, especially when we’re constantly putting our kids, work, and household ahead of ourselves. So, let’s break down why it happens and what you can do to ease it.
Why Mums Often Hold Stress in Their Jaw
Our bodies respond to stress automatically, often before we’re aware we’re even stressed. Juggling parenting, work, homework supervision, busy mornings, emotional load, and everything else means tension can sneak its way into places we least expect.
The jaw and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) are especially vulnerable because they’re in constant use: talking, eating, yawning, responding to “Muuuum?” 50 times a day. When we’re under pressure, many of us clench or grind without realising. Even worrying about the kids or mentally running through tomorrow’s to-do list can make the jaw tighten.
So if you ever feel jaw pain without any obvious cause, there’s a good chance it’s stress talking.
Common Signs You’re Clenching Without Realising It
Jaw tension often creeps in quietly, and it’s only when symptoms build up that we start to notice something isn’t quite right.
You may find yourself waking up with a sore or tight jaw, a sure sign of teeth grinding during sleep. Some people hear a faint clicking or popping sound when they open their mouths, which is often the TMJ under stress. Others experience tension headaches or ear pain even when there’s no infection present.
Other symptoms include neck or shoulder stiffness, or realising you’re holding your jaw tight when working, concentrating, or even relaxing. All of these are subtle clues that your jaw muscles are overworked.
If any of these sound familiar, don’t stress. It is actually quite common, especially for busy mums.
How Do I Stop Clenching My Jaw?
If you’re wondering how to stop the habit, you’ll be pleased to read that there are plenty of practical options available to you. The most effective and sustainable approach is to start with small, daily changes.
Initially, try doing gentle jaw tension exercises by sitting upright, relaxing your shoulders, and slowly opening your mouth. Also, rest your tongue on the roof of your mouth and then let your jaw drop slightly. Hold this position for a few seconds and repeat it several times throughout the day. This should make a difference.
Whenever you do notice your jaw tenses, take a breath, relax your face, and let your teeth part slightly. It’s amazing how much stress you can release with that one mindful moment. Additionally, if you spend a lot of time in front of a computer, make sure your screen is at eye level. If it is not and you are constantly leaning on your hand, it can cause pressure on your jaw.
In the evening, place a warm cloth over your jaw for five minutes. The warmth will help to increase blood flow and relax tight muscles. You can also reduce pressure by gently massaging along your jawline, temples, and neck using circular motions.
Sometimes jaw tension is tied to wider stress patterns. So make sure you look after your overall wellbeing. This includes undertaking regular exercise, getting good sleep every night, staying hydrated, and making time for downtime. These can all help to calm your body and mind.
When to Seek Professional Help for Jaw Pain
Despite your efforts to counter it, you should consider seeking professional help if:
- Your clenching persists
- Your jaw clicks, pops, or locks when you open it
- It’s painful to chew or yawn
A dentist can check for worn teeth, which is often a sign of long-term teeth grinding at night. They will assess your TMJ and may recommend a custom mouth guard, or suggest non-invasive jaw-tension treatment to help relax overactive jaw muscles.Additionally, if you find that headaches, ear pain, or neck tension are becoming regular, you may also want to see a physiotherapist who understands TMJ-related tension. They can help release the muscles that are causing it. At the same time, they can also teach you targeted relaxation techniques to prevent it from happening in the first place.
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