TMJ and Technology: How Screen Time and Device Use Affect Your Jaw

Dental Care Burke • August 13, 2024

According to the National Institutes of Dental and Craniofacial Research, up to 10 million Americans suffer from TMJ disorders, many of which are exacerbated by poor posture during screen time.

Proper jaw posture plays a critical role in preventing and managing these issues. Today, we're taking a closer look into how screen time and device use affect your jaw and what you can do to maintain correct alignment and reduce discomfort.

Understanding TMJ and Its Connection to Screen Time

TMJ disorders often arise from habits and lifestyle choices that affect the alignment of the jaw. With the increasing amount of time people spend on screens, certain behaviors can contribute to these issues. Three key factors link screen time to TMJ problems:

The tendency to look down at screens
Prolonged forward head posture
The strain on the jaw from clenching or grinding

Looking Down at Screens

Many people spend hours looking down at their phones or tablets. The position forces the jaw into an unnatural alignment, which can strain the TMJ over time. The downward angle of the head puts additional pressure on the jaw, contributing to misalignment and discomfort.

Prolonged Forward Head Posture

Sitting in front of a computer or slouching while using a device often leads to a forward head posture. The posture shifts the alignment of the head and neck, which in turn affects the jaw. When the head is too far forward, the muscles and joints of the jaw are forced to compensate, increasing the risk of TMJ disorders.

Jaw Strain from Clenching or Grinding

Screen time, especially during stressful tasks, can lead to unconscious clenching or grinding of the teeth. Repetitive motion puts excessive stress on the TMJ, leading to pain and other symptoms. Over time, this strain can worsen TMJ issues and cause more severe complications.

Common Bad Habits Related to Screen Time

One common habit is tilting the head forward and looking down at screens for long periods.

The position strains the muscles around the neck and jaw, forcing them to work harder to support the head. As a result, the jaw may shift out of its natural alignment, leading to pain and tension in the TMJ.

Another habit that often goes unnoticed is clenching or grinding the teeth while focusing on a screen. Many people clench their jaws when concentrating, whether they're working on a computer or watching a video.

Lastly, sitting in a slouched position while using devices can also affect jaw alignment. When the spine is curved, the head tends to move forward, putting extra strain on the jaw.

The Impact of Not Having Proper Jaw Posture

Poor jaw posture can significantly impact overall well-being. When your jaw is not aligned properly, it can lead to many issues that extend beyond just jaw pain.

The effects of improper alignment are often felt throughout the head, neck, and even the shoulders. Over time, these issues can worsen, leading to chronic pain and discomfort.

One of the most common symptoms of poor jaw posture is headaches. When the jaw is misaligned, the muscles around it are forced to work harder to compensate.

Extra strain can lead to tension headaches, often mistaken for other types of headaches. The headaches can be persistent and difficult to treat unless the underlying jaw alignment issue is addressed.

Jaw Pain and Dental Issues

Jaw pain is another direct result of poor posture. Misalignment puts uneven pressure on the TMJ, leading to inflammation and discomfort. The pain can range from a dull ache to sharp, stabbing sensations, making it difficult to eat, talk, or even yawn without experiencing discomfort.Over time, this can affect your daily activities and reduce your quality of life.

Poor jaw posture can lead to dental problems in addition to pain. When the jaw is out of alignment, the teeth may not meet properly when you bite down.

It can cause uneven wear on the teeth, leading to tooth sensitivity, chipping, and even cavities. The misalignment can also affect the gums, potentially leading to gum recession and other periodontal issues.

Effective Tips to Improve Jaw Posture

Improving jaw posture is key to preventing TMJ issues and reducing existing discomfort. By making a few adjustments to your daily habits, you can greatly improveyour jaw alignment and overall health. There are three main areas to focus on:

Correct posture while using devices
Regular breaks and stretching exercises
Adjusting your environment to support good posture

Correct Posture While Using Devices

How you hold and use your devices plays a major role in your jaw posture. When using a smartphone or tablet, try to hold it at eye level instead of looking down. It helps keep your head in a neutral position, which reduces strain on your jaw and neck.

If you're working on a computer, adjust the monitor so it's directly in front of you at eye level. It prevents you from tilting your head downward, which can lead to poor jaw alignment.

Regular Breaks and Stretching Exercises

Taking regular breaks from screen time is essential for maintaining good jaw posture. Take a short break every 20 to 30 minutes to stretch your neck and jaw muscles.

Simple exercises like gently opening and closing your mouth or massaging your jaw can relieve tension and prevent stiffness. Small breaks help keep your muscles relaxed and reduce the risk of developing TMJ problems.

Adjusting Your Environment to Support Good Posture

Your environment plays a big role in how you hold your body and, consequently, your jaw. Make sure your workspace is set up to encourage good posture. Use a chair that supports your back and keeps your spine straight.

Your feet should be flat on the floor, and your shoulders should be relaxed. Creating an environment that promotes proper posture will naturally reduce the strain on your jaw and improve your overall comfort.

Improve Jaw Posture

Maintaining proper jaw posture is essential for preventing TMJ issues, especially in a screen-heavy world.

Dental Care Burke is led by Dr. Bernard Lynch, who is focused on giving his patients the best possible dental care and guiding them toward better dental health practices. Dr. Lynch keeps up-to-date with the latest dental technology and advances.

Get in touch today to find out how he can help with your TMJ issues.

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Dr. Bernard Lynch

D.M.D

Dr. Bernard Lynch, DMD, FAGD, LVIF is focused around giving his patients the best possible dental care towards the end of long-term, overall good oral health, beautiful smiles, all while maintaining patient comfort. Dr. Lynch routinely keeps up-to-date with most cutting-edge dental technology and advances so as to cultivate a feeling of safety and comfort when his patients sit in the dental chair. He is broadly recognized for the continuous attention to his patients feelings, and of their mind-sets while they are under his care.

Joshua Kibrom

Treatment Plan Coordinator

Joshua Kibrom grew up in Saint Paul, Minnesota where he attended the University of Minnesota for Marketing and Business Management. Upon moving to Northern Virginia, he began providing services at Dental Care Burke as a Treatment Plan Coordinator. To fully understand the needs of the patients, he obtained certification as a dental assistant. His main objective is to help the patients achieve the necessary treatment and fully understand the financial aspects of the plan. Joshua will work with patients to ensure all of your questions are answered appropriately.

Michael Gebre

Registered Dental Assistant

Micheal Gebre graduated from Northern Virginia Community College with a major in biology. He later received his Dental Assistant II (DAII) degree from Germana Community College, under Mary Washington University in Fredericksburg, Virginia in 2016. Michael works as Registered DAII, which is the new version of Dental Physician Assistant. He had over 10 years experience as a Dental Assistant before becoming a Registered DAII.