Caffeine and TMD: How Everyday Habits Might Be Fueling Your Jaw Pain
- Simon Coghlan MSc, BSc Physio, DipMedAc
- Apr 10
- 2 min read
Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) can be a real source of daily frustration. From jaw pain and stiffness to headaches and muscle tension, it’s no surprise that so many people are searching for relief. But what if one of the culprits behind some of your jaw discomfort is hiding in your coffee cup?
Let’s talk about caffeine—yes, that morning pick-me-up we all rely on—and how it may be quietly contributing to your TMD symptoms.
The Hidden Link Between Caffeine and TMD
Caffeine is part of many people’s daily rituals—morning coffees, afternoon teas, maybe an energy drink to power through the school run or workday. But while caffeine in moderation can be perfectly fine, overconsumption may be amplifying your TMD symptoms in a few sneaky ways.
Anxiety and Jaw Clenching: A Perfect Storm
Caffeine stimulates your nervous system, increasing the release of adrenaline and blocking adenosine (the chemical that makes us feel sleepy). This can heighten feelings of anxiety, even in people who don’t typically feel “stressed.”
For those with TMD, that matters a lot. Anxiety often fuels bruxism (teeth grinding) and jaw clenching—two of the biggest contributors to jaw pain, tightness, and inflammation. If you find yourself clenching your jaw without realising it, your coffee habit might be partly to blame.
Poor Sleep = Poor Healing
Sleep is when our bodies repair themselves—and that includes your jaw joints and facial muscles. But caffeine can interfere with your sleep by:
Making it harder to fall asleep
Reducing overall sleep quality
Shortening deep, restorative sleep cycles
If you’re tossing and turning at night and waking up with a tight jaw or headaches, it might be time to rethink that 3 pm coffee.
Dehydration and Muscle Tension
Caffeine also acts as a diuretic, meaning it increases fluid loss. Dehydration might not seem like a big issue, but it can lead to:
Muscle cramping and tightness
Increased tension around the jaw and neck
Greater sensitivity to pain and inflammation
Hydrated muscles are happy muscles. And for anyone dealing with TMD, maintaining hydration is one of the simplest ways to support jaw health.
So, What Can You Do?
At our clinic here in Buderim, we take an integrated, hands-on approach to TMD—addressing not just the physical symptoms, but the lifestyle habits that may be influencing your recovery.
Based on our experience working with clients dealing with jaw pain, here are a few practical tips:
✅ Limit caffeine to 2–3 drinks a day
✅ Avoid caffeine in the afternoon to protect your sleep
✅ Stay hydrated—aim for at least 1.5–2L of water daily
It’s not about cutting caffeine completely—it’s about being aware of how it affects your body and finding a balance that works for you.
Looking for Personalised TMD Care?
At Dental Physiotherapy with Lorraine Carroll & Simon Coghlan, we specialise in hands-on, tailored care for people struggling with jaw pain, facial tension, and TMD. With decades of experience and a warm, personal approach, we’re here to help you feel better, move better, and get your quality of life back.
📍 Suite 2, 24-26 Gloucester Road, Buderim, QLD📞 07 3532 8605
By Simon Coghlan
Comments