Jaw Pain After a Workout? 7 Causes & How to Stop It
Do you ever find yourself with a painful jaw muscle after exercising? Although exercise is good for one’s general health, activities like grinding one’s teeth or tightening the jaw muscles while exercising can cause one to have a painful jaw muscle. So what is the cause of this pain?
In this blog, we'll explore seven possible reasons for jaw pain after exercise, simple ways to prevent it, and warning signs that may indicate an underlying dental or health concern.
📑 Table of Contents
Why Does My Jaw Hurt After Working Out? 7 Possible Reasons
Jaw pain after exercise can have several causes, including these seven possible reasons.
1. Unconscious Teeth Clenching During Exercise
There are those who clenches their teeth unknowingly during vigorous exercises, more so when they are carrying a load. In a 2021 study, the effect of teeth clenching on muscle activation was studied when exercising. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, clenching often leads to painful jaws and muscle fatigue. Together, these results provide some insight into how muscle clenching while exercising can lead to jaw pain after exercise.
2. Overworked Jaw Muscles and Muscle Tension
The muscles in your jaw can also get strained during rigorous exercises. A study conducted in 2014 established that the activation of the masseter muscle occurs when the intensity of exercise increases. As a result, stiffness, ache, or discomfort is felt in the jaw region. As per the Cleveland Clinic, this is a typical feeling associated with the condition of jaw pain.
3. Poor Posture and Neck Muscle Strain
Your posture while working out could be another reason for tight muscles in the neck and shoulders region. If you hold your head forward or allow your shoulders to droop, you could add pressure to your neck muscles. Harvard Health states that poor posture is a factor contributing to muscle tension and neck pain. Since your neck muscles interact with your jaw muscles during certain activities, the muscle tension could contribute to jaw pain.
4. Dehydration and Electrolyte Imbalance
Strenuous exercise makes your body lose both electrolytes and fluids through sweat. Electrolytes help regulate the functioning of nerves and muscles. If your body is dehydrated or has electrolyte imbalances, there are chances that you will be affected by muscle discomfort. Even though dehydration is not directly associated with jaw discomfort, it may lead to muscle discomfort.
5. Mouth Breathing and Heavy Breathing During Workouts
In cases of vigorous workouts, one can resort to mouth breathing to match their body’s need for oxygen. In the 2024 study by BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation, the researchers discovered that mouth breathing was prevalent in the participants while undergoing resistance training. It is important to note that there was no discussion on jaw pain or any link between mouth breathing and TMJ ache in the article. More research is needed to determine whether breathing habits contribute to post-workout jaw discomfort.
6. Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Irritation
Your exercise routine may also worsen your case of TMD. Temporomandibular disorders are those that are related to the joint that connects your lower jaw with your head bone, allowing you to speak and chew food. Mayo Clinic explains that actions such as teeth grinding and clenching contribute to your likelihood of having TMJ disorders.
A 2024 study published in Cureus examined 60 adults who already had TMD. Studies have shown that individuals belonging to the high-intensity exercise group suffered from increased symptoms compared to those in the low-intensity exercise group. Although further studies need to be conducted, it appears as if rigorous exercise can worsen symptoms of TMDs.
7. Existing Dental Problems
In some cases, pain in the jaw that develops following workouts might actually be associated with dental problems, which might not necessarily be brought about by the exercise routine. Examples of dental conditions include tooth decay, infections, and gum diseases, among others. These problems might result in pain in the teeth, jaw or face. In case you suffer from one of them, do not overlook any pain that occurs while exercising.
How to Prevent Jaw Pain After Working Out
You don't have to give up your workouts to avoid jaw discomfort. A few simple changes to your exercise routine may help:
- Watch out for jaw clenching. Don’t force yourself to bite down when working out at maximum capacity. Always have a relaxed jaw.
- Use a custom-made sports mouth guard. Use a custom-made sports mouth guard. Whenever you train with the likelihood of coming into contact with something, it’s good to wear a sports mouth guard to reduce the chances of damaging your teeth. Get advice from your dentist.
- Have good posture. Keep your head in line with your spine while training, and don’t stress your neck and shoulders while exercising.
- Stay hydrated. During your exercise routine, make sure to drink water sufficient enough to compensate for the loss due to sweating.
-
Warm up and cool down. Slowly ramp up the intensity of your workout and allow for relaxation of your muscles.
Quick note: Wearing a mouthguard protects your teeth; however, it does not guarantee prevention of jaw muscle tension and TMJ problems. If your jaw pain keeps coming back, have it evaluated by a dentist.
When Should You Worry About Jaw Pain After Exercise?
If you have any jaw pain lasting for over one week, Cleveland Clinic suggests seeing a doctor. Even more importantly, according to the American Heart Association your jaw pain may be associated with a heart attack if you experience any chest pressure, difficulty breathing, cold sweats, nausea, or arm, back, or neck pain.
If you experience jaw discomfort alongside these symptoms, stop exercising and call emergency services immediately
Don't Let Jaw Pain Get in the Way of Your Fitness Goals
Click image for a product preview
Your concern is to meet your fitness objectives, and not to have worries about your dental health. If you want to take up new physical activities in addition to regular sports, a custom sports mouthguard can provide a secure, comfortable fit and help protect your teeth from impact. Get your custom sports mouthguard today and train with greater confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is it normal for your jaw to hurt after working out?
Not really. Jaw pain following exercise could be associated with grinding of the teeth, muscle tension or any other pre-existing condition within the jaw or mouth. Should the pain persist, it is wise to visit a dentist to ascertain its cause.
❓ Can lifting weights cause jaw pain?
Yes. There are some individuals who may unknowingly grind their teeth while working out with very heavy loads or doing any other form of intense exercise routine.
❓ Should you wear a mouthguard when working out?
The use of mouthguards is recommended to safeguard your teeth from any kind of blows that occur when playing contact sports or engaging in any activity that may cause harm to your teeth. There are customized mouthguards that offer you a perfect fit along with providing maximum protection. In case you grind your teeth a lot, consult your dentist.
Looking for something else? Check our full FAQ section.