Stress
The jaw is a complex system of muscles, ligaments, and bones that work together to produce the movements needed for chewing and talking. The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is where the lower jaw connects with the skull and is the most mobile joint in the body. The TMJ allows us to move the lower jaw from side to side and up and down.
The TMJ works best when there is muscle balance around it, but this can be disturbed by stress. Stress affects muscular relaxation, which can cause an imbalance in the muscles surrounding the TMJ. This can lead to jaw joint pain and, in some cases, even tenderness in other areas of the face, such as teeth and ears. A combination of bad posture, clenching or grinding teeth, clenching fists, low resistance to infection, and headaches can also contribute to sore gums.
