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If you’ve ever been asked to relax your jaw during yoga or meditation, you likely know just how much tension that area can hold.
Don’t believe us? Take a moment and try it now.
Aside from the immediate relief you likely feel when you release certain holding patterns, learning how to relax your jaw can protect you from a host of unnecessary issues. According to Nojan Bakhtiari, DDS, FAAOP, headaches, teeth damage, sleep disruption (and negative repercussions on mental health), and, of course, general pain can be all attributed, at least in part, to a clenched jaw.
Common Causes of Jaw Tension
Most jaw tension is created by daily, relatable habits—even would-be relaxing ones, including sleep or yoga. Bakhtiari cites “daytime clenching,” the sort that happens during exercise or stressful work events and nighttime teeth grinding as predominant culprits.
Other contributing factors? “Excessive caffeine, medications (such as stimulants), and oral habits including nail biting, cheek biting, lip biting, and gum chewing,” he says. This cocktail of conscious and unconscious quirks can create undue pain that can ultimately impact your overall health.
What About TMJ?
Jaw pain and headaches are often related to TMJ, or the temporomandibular joints, which frame your jaw. Issues here are caused by TMD, or temporomandibular disorders. Though the cause is common, addressing it requires some finesse.
“TMJ exercises need to be tailored to the individual,” says Bakhtiari. “Unfortunately, some classic exercises found online can hurt people who are hypermobile (too flexible).” If your interested, Bakhtiari suggests getting evaluated by an orofacial pain specialist first.
5 Ways to Relax Your Jaw
Fortunately, there are a selection of universal steps you can take to relax your jaw now. According to Bakhtiari, simply noticing the above patterns can help you overhaul them.
1. Enjoy an Om
The sacred mantra of om is more than mentally and spiritually meditative—it can ease physical stress, too. Bakhtiari notes that an om, or any humming sound with an “m,” encourages your jaw to move to a relaxed position.
2. Break Up With Bad Biting Habits
This one is simple. “Break any oral habits such as nail biting and gum chewing,” says Bakhtiari. While these small instances tend to be tied to anxiety, finding other coping mechanisms (think meditation or breathwork) will protect you from greater strife.
3. Cut Down on Caffeine
As noted above, an excess of caffeine and other stimulants can amp you up, causing you to clench your jaw. There’s no need to ditch your coffee and tea entirely—a bit of mindfulness around consumption goes a long way.
4. Develop a Myofascial Release Routine
The myofascial system runs through your entire body, connecting myriad body parts, including your jaw and your hamstrings. Honing a myofascial release routine that addresses your tightest areas may effectively release others; in this case, rolling out your hamstrings may be exactly what you need to help unlock your jaw.
5. Keep Your Teeth Apart
This simple suggestion can make a big change. According to Bakhtiari, your teeth are never meant to touch—except when you’re eating, of course. Reminding yourself of this fact can instantly alleviate jaw tension.
