Some symptoms of TMJ disorders include:
On topic with Dr. Dill:
Can stress cause a TMJ disorder?
Your temporomandibular joints (TMJ) connect your lower jawbone to your skull. They help you open and close your mouth so you can talk, chew, and more — which is why TMJ disorders can create several problems for your oral and overall health.
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Headaches
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Jaw clicking or popping
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Neck pain or soreness
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Bruxism (tooth grinding)
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Earaches
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Tinnitus (a persistent ringing)
Around 5-12% of people experience a TMJ disorder.1 They can be caused by a number of issues that are often associated with high levels of stress.
The stress and TMJ connection
It can be hard to know where stress ends and TMJ disorders begin since one can cause the other. Stress is linked to many physical health symptoms:
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It can cause headaches and autoimmune issues, raising your risk for minor and major illnesses. High levels of cortisol (a hormone released when you feel stressed) can cause high blood pressure.
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Feelings of stress can also cause you to clench or tense your jaw, which can put extra pressure on the joints or pull them out of place. Grinding your teeth can also damage or crack your tooth enamel or crack the tooth itself.
Alternatively, a TMJ disorder can create stress in a number of ways — by disrupting your sleep, distracting your focus while you’re awake, or by causing persistent discomfort when you try to eat or talk.
If you feel overwhelmed, it’s important to reduce your stress level. There are many ways to do this — try exercise, meditation, yoga, reading, laughing with friends, improving your daily nutrition, and more. Keep looking until you find the right balance for you.
Treating a TMJ disorder
Some TMJ disorders go away in a matter of days or weeks, while others can last several months or years. The problem may go away on its own, or a TMJ disorder may require a visit to your dentist or physician. If you have persistent headaches, jaw pain, or other symptoms of a TMJ disorder, get treatment advice from a medical professional.
Stress less to maintain your oral and overall health
Your oral, overall, and emotional health are all related — the relationship between TMJ disorders and stress is just one example of this. Care for yourself to care for your smile!
Meet Joseph Dill, DDS, Delta Dental’s Chief Dental Officer. With more than 35 years of experience in the dental field, including 10 in private and public health practice and 20 in dental insurance, Dr. Dill provides expert insights and helpful advice to keep you smiling bright.
1Matheson, E., Fermo, J., & Blackwelder, R. Temporomandibular Disorders: Rapid Evidence Review. (2023, January) from https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2023/0100/temporomandibular-disorders.html
