Ever caught clenching your teeth during a call or waking up with an annoying ear ache or dull pain that radiates to lead to a sore jaw after a long day or before those dreadful exams? Naturally, your first thought is ‘Is it an ear infection?’ ‘A nerve problem?’ or ‘Am I imagining it’?

No, you are not imagining it and no you are not alone!

As someone surrounded by strong, amazing people in my own life, I’ve come to understand how stress uniquely impacts you– and how it might be manifesting in ways you least expect.

As statistics tell us, this is more particular in women. Growing up and working with women – my mother, sisters, colleagues – I have learned that women often carry invisible burdens. They smile through the toughest of days, but their bodies, especially their jaw and neck often tell another story.

Science made simple:

TMJ, short for Temporo-Mandibular-Joint is that little hinge connecting your jaw to your skull. This is located right next to your ear. It works hard, probably harder than it should. When it is inflamed or stressed, it can send pain signals that feel like an ear infection. The pain can also radiate to your head, neck and even shoulders often mistaken as migraines.

A lot of people don’t even realise this, but their involuntarily clenching or grinding of teeth in their sleep or during a passive activity adds pressure to your jaw intensifying these headaches; and the reason for this is Stress!

Practical tips:

• Relaxation Ritual: Spend 5 minutes each days massaging your jawline. Think of it as self-care and not as homework and no one has to know. You can do it before getting to bed in the nights and in silence.

• Posture awareness: That Instagram binge? Or studying at your desk or in your classroom? Try to sit up straight, trust me, your jaw will thank you.

• Stress check: Give yourself permission to pause when life feels overwhelming. Sometimes stepping away is the best care. Start by taking mini-pauses by deliberately not thinking or not feeling compulsive to respond when someone or something is pressuring you.

• Listen to your body: Notice when you are clenching your teeth or you are having these unusual pains in the jaw or head – do realise that stress can often sneak up on us and its OK, you just need to manage it.

As an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, I am here not just to treat but help you understand and nurture your well-being. So the next time your jaw or ear aches, remember that you don’t have to navigate it alone. Let’s talk about the little things that make a big difference!