You wouldn’t think much about your jaw until it starts acting up, right?
That sudden ache or tension can throw off your whole day, whether you’re trying to enjoy a meal or just have a conversation. Jaw pain isn’t something you want to stick around, but the good news? You don’t need to run to the clinic right away to start feeling better.
There are plenty of simple, effective home remedies that can help ease the tension and get you some relief.
What causes jaw pain?
Jaw pain can come from all sorts of things, and understanding the cause is key to finding relief. Some of the most common culprits include:
- Teeth grinding or clenching (Bruxism): Often caused by stress, grinding or clenching your teeth, especially at night, puts extra pressure on the jaw muscles, leading to pain and soreness.
- Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders: TMJ issues can affect the hinge-like joint connecting your jaw to your skull, causing pain, stiffness, and even clicking or popping sounds when you open and close your mouth.
- Stress and tension: When you’re stressed, you may unconsciously clench your jaw, which can cause tightness and discomfort over time.
- Poor posture: Believe it or not, slouching can affect more than your back! Poor posture can misalign your neck and jaw, leading to tension and pain.
- Tooth infections: Jaw pain can sometimes be traced back to dental issues like tooth infections or abscesses. When a tooth is infected, it can cause pain to radiate into the jaw and surrounding areas, creating discomfort that might feel like general jaw pain.
- Head injuries: Previous injuries or trauma to the head or face, including concussions, can impact the jaw, causing soreness or restricted movement. Head injuries can lead to misalignments or tension in the jaw, especially if swelling affects the surrounding muscles or joints.
- Sinus problems: Sinus infections and blockages can also lead to jaw pain, as the sinuses are located close to the jaw. When sinuses are inflamed, they can create pressure around the jaw area, sometimes causing tinnitus-like symptoms and discomfort that feels like jaw pain.
While jaw pain can definitely be frustrating, the upside is that many cases can be managed with some easy home remedies.
Best home remedies for jaw pain
1. Heat or ice therapy
Applying heat or ice to the affected area can help reduce pain and inflammation. Ice is great for reducing swelling, while heat can relax tight muscles.
You can also alternate between the two, using ice for about 10 minutes and a heat pack for another 10 to see what works best for you.
Read more about heat and ice therapy.
2. Gentle jaw stretches
Stretching your jaw muscles can help release tension. Try these simple stretches to keep your jaw loose and flexible:
- Slow mouth opening
- Jaw side-to-side movement
- Chin tucks
- Resisted opening and closing
- Forward movement
- Relaxed jaw exercise
3. Stress management
Jaw pain is often linked to stress, especially if you tend to clench your jaw or grind your teeth. Incorporating relaxation techniques, like deep breathing, meditation, or progressive muscle relaxation, can help reduce overall tension in your jaw.
4. Self-massage
Gently massaging the jaw muscles can help relieve pain and reduce tightness. Use your fingers to apply light pressure in small circular motions along your jawline, just in front of your ears, and down toward your chin. Massaging this area for a few minutes each day can help relax the muscles, improve circulation, and reduce discomfort.
[H2] How to prevent jaw pain in the future
Once you’ve managed your jaw pain, the key is preventing it from coming back. Here are a few simple habits you can incorporate into your routine to keep your jaw feeling healthy and pain-free.
- Avoid excessive chewing: Limit chewing gum, ice, or tough foods that can overwork your jaw muscles. Just like any muscle, overuse can lead to strain and discomfort. Give your jaw a break from constant chewing to prevent unnecessary tension.
- Incorporate jaw exercises in the morning: Start your day with gentle jaw stretches to keep the muscles loose and flexible. Slowly open and close your mouth, and move your jaw side to side to release any overnight tension. Making this part of your morning routine can help prevent stiffness.
- Focus on good posture: Good posture plays a big role in reducing jaw tension. Whether you’re working at a desk or using your phone, keep your head up and shoulders back. Poor posture can misalign your neck, putting pressure on your jaw. Be mindful of this, especially during long periods of sitting.
- Manage your stress levels: Since stress often leads to jaw clenching and teeth grinding, practicing stress management techniques is key. Try deep breathing exercises, meditation, or yoga to help keep your stress—and jaw tension—in check.
- Take frequent breaks from screen time: Constantly looking down at your phone or computer can cause strain not just on your neck but also on your jaw. Make it a habit to take regular breaks, stretch, and adjust your posture. This will help reduce overall tension in your neck and jaw area.
When to see a physio for jaw pain
While home remedies can work wonders for mild jaw pain, there are times when professional help is necessary. Here’s when you should consider seeing a physiotherapist:
- Your jaw pain has been constant for several weeks and doesn’t seem to be improving.
- You’re experiencing clicking or popping sounds when you open and close your mouth.
- You’re struggling with limited jaw movement or difficulty opening your mouth wide.
- You notice swelling, or your jaw pain is causing headaches or neck pain.
- Your pain interferes with everyday activities like eating or speaking.
No need to drop your jaw—we’ve got the treatment!
Jaw pain can be a real hassle, but with the right approach, you can manage it and even prevent it from coming back. However, if your pain persists or is getting worse, it might be time to consider professional help.
If you’re looking for jaw pain treatment in Perth, our physiotherapy clinic in South Perth Como is here to help. We’ll assess your specific condition and create a personalised treatment to get you back to feeling your best. Don’t let jaw pain control your day—book an appointment today and take the first step toward lasting relief.
