Is the Summer Heat Making Your Jaw Ache? Here’s Why...and How to Find Relief
- Lynch Physical Therapy
- Jul 30
- 3 min read
While summer often brings thoughts of sunshine, vacations, and frozen treats, it can also bring something unexpected: jaw pain. If you’ve noticed more tension, clicking, or soreness in your jaw during the warmer months, you’re not alone. Many people with temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) find that their symptoms flare up during the summer.
In this blog, we’ll explore the surprising reasons why heat, dehydration, and summer routines can make TMD worse, and how Lynch Physical Therapy can help you manage jaw pain and enjoy your summer pain-free.
Why Summer Makes Jaw Pain Worse
Several common summer habits and environmental factors can contribute to worsening jaw discomfort:
1. Dehydration Tightens Muscles
Hot weather increases sweat and fluid loss, which can lead to dehydration, a major culprit in muscle tension. When your body is low on fluids, your muscles (including those around the jaw) become more prone to tightness, spasms, and fatigue, increasing pain and stiffness in the TMJ.
2. Stress & Disrupted Routines
While summer can be relaxing, it can also bring stress from travel, disrupted schedules, or poor sleep, all of which can contribute to jaw clenching or nighttime grinding. Even mild stress can cause subconscious jaw tension during the day or while you sleep.
3. Travel and Poor Posture
Long car rides, flights, or sleeping in new places can strain the neck, shoulders, and jaw...especially if you’re not using supportive pillows or if you're slouching for hours. This can worsen jaw alignment and make existing TMD symptoms flare.
4. TMD-Unfriendly Summer Treats
Chewing on hard, cold, or sticky foods (like taffy, corn on the cob, or ice) puts strain on the jaw. Frozen drinks and chewy snacks may be summer favorites, but for those with TMD, they can trigger or worsen pain.
How Lynch Physical Therapy Can Help Manage Summer Jaw Pain
The good news? You don’t have to suffer through summer jaw pain. Physical therapy offers non-invasive, personalized solutions to help reduce pain and restore jaw function.
1. Hands-On Manual Therapy
Our therapists use gentle soft tissue work, massage, and joint mobilization to relieve tension in the jaw, neck, and facial muscles. These treatments improve circulation, reduce spasms, and ease pressure around the TMJ.
2. Targeted Exercises
We’ll guide you through jaw, neck, and posture exercises designed to strengthen supportive muscles, improve joint motion, and reduce strain. These can help you feel better quickly and prevent future flare-ups.
3. Travel & Posture Education
Planning a vacation? We’ll show you how to maintain healthy posture on the go and recommend tools (like travel pillows or seat supports) that protect your jaw and spine.
4. Hydration & Lifestyle Coaching
We'll help you make small but impactful changes, like staying hydrated, eating softer foods, and managing summer stress, all of which can make a big difference for your jaw.
Quick At-Home Tips for Summer Jaw Relief
Try these simple strategies to keep your jaw comfortable this summer:
Hydrate Constantly: Sip water throughout the day, even if you’re not thirsty.
Avoid Hard/Sticky Foods: Swap chewy or frozen snacks for softer, jaw-friendly options.
Use Cold Packs After Activity: Apply to the jaw for 10–15 minutes to reduce inflammation.
Jaw Check-ins: Rest your tongue on the roof of your mouth with teeth slightly apart and lips closed.
Travel Smart: Bring ergonomic supports for long trips and sleep on a firm, supportive pillow.
Ready to Enjoy a Pain-Free Summer?
If your jaw is aching more than usual this season, don’t ignore it. Our team at Lynch Physical Therapy specializes in TMD treatment and can help you feel better with a personalized plan tailored to your lifestyle.
Contact us today at (410) 960-1601 to schedule an evaluation and take the first step toward summer relief.
Comments