02/18/2026
Jaw clenching and grinding isn’t your body failing or struggling to handle stress.
It’s a protective response.
When the nervous system senses instability or threat, especially during sleep, it recruits the muscles of the jaw, face, and neck to provide support and protect your airway. This happens automatically, without you even realizing it.
Over time, that constant muscle activity can cause jaw pain, headaches, neck tension, disrupted sleep, and fatigue. Lasting change comes from addressing the root cause: supporting stability, tongue function, and nervous system regulation. When the nervous system feels safe and supported, the jaw can finally relax and stop working overtime.