Do You Clench Your Teeth? Here's Some Advice On How to Relax Your Jaw

Do you ever catch yourself clamping your teeth together during a stressful day? Jaw clenching and teeth grinding, clinically known as bruxism, is a common habit that can cause lasting damage to your smile. Many people don't even realize they're doing it until they experience chronic facial pain or worn-down enamel.

 At Supertooth™, Dr. Ben Manesh, DDS, and our team of dental experts help patients find relief from jaw tension. We serve communities across Maryland with convenient offices in Bethesda, Germantown, and Gaithersburg. If you struggle with clenching, visiting a general dentist is the first step toward protecting your teeth.

Why do we clench our teeth?

We clench our teeth due to stress, anxiety, or subconscious habits. While many people focus on nighttime grinding, awake bruxism is actually more common. This means you might be tightening your jaw muscles throughout the day without noticing, especially when you're concentrating or dealing with daily pressures. 

According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (2025), grinding and clenching your jaw while awake occurs more frequently than sleep bruxism. The Mayo Clinic (2024) notes that individuals with hyperactive, competitive, or aggressive personality types face a higher risk of developing this condition.

Effective ways to relax your jaw

You can relax your jaw by practicing mindfulness, using warm compresses, and seeking professional dental treatments. Subconscious clenching often serves as a stress-related coping mechanism. Taking regular breaks to check your jaw posture and keeping your lips together with your teeth apart can help retrain your muscles.

For severe cases, advanced clinical treatments can make a major difference. Injections of botulinum toxin directly into the masseter muscle can temporarily weaken the jaw's contraction force, providing relief for several months, as highlighted by the Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC (2026). This treatment helps prevent the intense muscle spasms that lead to headaches.

How we help you find relief 

We help you find relief by evaluating your jaw joint and providing customized treatment plans. While custom mouth guards protect your enamel from wear, they don't stop the underlying grinding habit. We'll work with you to address the root causes of your jaw tension and protect your long-term oral health.

You don't have to live with constant jaw pain or risk damaging your teeth. Please contact our team at Supertooth™ today to schedule an appointment at one of our offices in Bethesda, Germantown, or Gaithersburg.