The direct answer to whether your teeth should always be touching is no. The human jaw is not designed for constant contact between the upper and lower teeth. Instead, the jaw should maintain a relaxed, neutral position for the majority of the day and night. Constant clenching or grinding, often an unconscious habit, can lead to numerous health issues, including unnecessary wear and muscle strain. Understanding the jaw’s correct resting position is the first step toward preserving the health of the teeth, gums, and the joints that control jaw movement.
The Ideal Resting Position
The jaw’s ideal resting position is characterized by a small gap between the upper and lower teeth, known as the “freeway space” or interocclusal rest space. This gap typically measures between 2 to 5 millimeters at the incisors, though it varies slightly between individuals. The mandible (lower jaw) is held in this position by the minimal, balanced activity of the jaw muscles.
When the jaw is correctly at rest, the tongue should be positioned lightly against the roof of the mouth (the palate). The tip of the tongue often rests just behind the front teeth, as if preparing to say the letter “N”. This posture ensures that the jaw joints are correctly seated and the surrounding muscles are relaxed. Keeping the lips lightly together while breathing through the nose completes this optimal, low-tension resting state.
When Teeth Are Supposed to Meet
Tooth contact, or occlusion, is intended only for specific, brief functional activities. The primary function requiring the teeth to meet is chewing (mastication), which involves the coordinated crushing and grinding of food. Different types of teeth, such as molars and premolars, are designed to work together to break down food particles before they are swallowed.
Swallowing (deglutition) also involves a momentary, light contact between the teeth to stabilize the jaw during the process. During speech, the teeth come very close together to produce certain sounds, such as the “S” sound, but they do not typically touch. These functional contacts are short-lived, allowing the jaw muscles and teeth to return quickly to the relaxed freeway space.
Effects of Chronic Jaw Clenching
When the jaw is chronically held in a closed position, it forces the teeth into constant contact, a habit known as bruxism or clenching. This sustained pressure causes significant damage, beginning with the wearing down of tooth enamel. Over time, this erosion leads to increased tooth sensitivity and can result in fractures or cracks.
The excessive force also strains the surrounding musculoskeletal structures, leading to muscle fatigue and pain. Prolonged muscle tension can manifest as frequent tension headaches and discomfort in the face and neck. This chronic stress on the jaw joint and its supporting muscles contributes to the development of Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD). Symptoms of TMD often include limited range of motion, jaw pain, and sometimes a clicking or popping sound in the joint.
Simple Steps for Jaw Relaxation
The first step in achieving jaw relaxation is building awareness, since clenching is often an unconscious habit. Using visual reminders, like placing small stickers on a computer monitor or phone, can prompt you to check your jaw position throughout the day. When tension is noticed, focus on separating the back teeth and gently resting the tongue on the palate.
Practicing controlled breathing helps stimulate the relaxation response in the jaw muscles. Try inhaling slowly and deeply through the nose and exhaling fully to reduce overall body tension. Gentle stretches, such as slowly dropping the jaw open about two inches while keeping the tongue on the roof of the mouth, can help release muscle tightness. Consistent effort to maintain the freeway space and proper tongue posture encourages the jaw to return to its natural, relaxed state.