Your jaw works hard every day, but certain habits can put unnecessary stress on the temporomandibular joints (TMJs) and surrounding muscles—especially if you already experience jaw pain, stiffness, or tension.
Here are 5 everyday habits to watch:
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1. Chewing Gum Frequently
Prolonged gum chewing keeps your jaw muscles working continuously and may increase strain on the TMJs. If you chew gum throughout the day, the repetitive motion can leave your jaw feeling tired, tight, or sore.2. Clenching or Grinding Your Teeth
Clenching and grinding (bruxism) can put significant pressure on your teeth, jaw muscles, and TMJs. Stress, concentration, and sleep can all contribute to these habits, sometimes without you realizing you’re doing it.3. Biting Nails or Objects
Nail biting, chewing pens, or using your teeth to hold objects can add unnecessary stress to your jaw. Repeatedly putting your jaw into these positions may contribute to muscle tension and discomfort over time.4. Eating Very Hard or Chewy Foods
Foods that require excessive force or prolonged chewing can increase the workload on your jaw muscles and joints. If your jaw is already irritated, choosing softer foods temporarily may help minimize additional strain.5. Resting Your Chin on Your Hand
This habit can place direct pressure on your jaw and encourage an uneven position. If you regularly lean your chin into your hand while working or scrolling, try keeping your head and jaw in a more neutral position.
Small changes to these habits may help reduce unnecessary strain. If you experience persistent pain, stiffness, painful clicking, difficulty chewing, or jaw locking, consider having your symptoms evaluated by a dental professional.