TMJ, Jaw Clicking & Why the Tongue Is Often the Missing Piece

 

If you’ve dealt with jaw clicking, popping, tension, or discomfort, you’ve probably been told it’s a jaw problem.

 

But for many people — especially women in midlife — TMJ issues are rarely just about the jaw.

 

They’re about:

• Muscle imbalance

• Poor tongue posture

• Inflammation

• Hormonal shifts

• And a jaw joint that’s lost proper support

 

That’s exactly where my work comes in.

 

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My Story: How I Resolved My Own Jaw Clicking

 

For years, I experienced jaw cracking and TMJ discomfort.

What finally changed everything wasn’t a mouthguard or forcing the jaw into place — it was retraining my tongue and supporting my body from the inside out.

 

Through consistent tongue exercises and a Mediterranean-focused way of eating, my jaw clicking gradually stopped — and never returned.

 

That personal experience became the foundation for the method I now teach.

 

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Why TMJ Is Often a Tongue Problem (Not a Jaw Problem)

 

The tongue is one of the most powerful muscles in the body.

It directly influences:

• Jaw alignment

• Muscle tension in the face and neck

• How the TMJ joint tracks during movement

 

When the tongue is weak, tense, or poorly positioned:

• The masseters overwork

• The jaw joint bears uneven pressure

• Clicking and popping become more likely

 

Re-educating the tongue helps redistribute that load, allowing the jaw to move more smoothly and comfortably.

 

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My 5-Minute Tongue Routine for TMJ Support

 

I developed a short, intentional tongue routine designed to:

• Reduce jaw muscle dominance

• Improve jaw tracking

• Support better tongue-to-palate coordination

• Release tension throughout the face, neck, and jaw

 

My experience proves others too can experience:

• Less clicking or popping

• Reduced tightness

• A calmer, more stable jaw

 

Some — like myself — experience complete resolution over time.

 

(Everyone’s body is different, but this approach addresses the root mechanics rather than just the symptoms.)

 

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Why Food Matters More Than Most TMJ Advice Admits

 

TMJ discomfort is strongly influenced by inflammation and connective tissue health.

 

That’s why I pair my tongue routine with a Mediterranean-inspired food guide.

 

This way of eating supports:

• Joint lubrication

• Collagen and connective tissue

• Muscle recovery

• Nervous system regulation

 

When inflammation is lower, the jaw becomes more responsive to retraining — your exercises work better and stick.

 

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TMJ, Hormones & Midlife Changes

 

Many women notice TMJ issues appear or worsen during perimenopause.

 

That’s not a coincidence.

 

Hormonal shifts can affect:

• Joint sensitivity

• Muscle tone

• Collagen quality

• Stress and clenching patterns

 

This is why a gentle, nervous-system-aware approach that combines movement and nourishment is so effective for midlife women.

 

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Why I Teach Tongue + Food Together

 

Jaw health isn’t one exercise.

And it isn’t one food.

 

It’s a system.

 

My digital program combines:

• My signature 5-minute tongue routine

• A Mediterranean-focused food guide designed to support facial and joint health

 

Together, they help create the internal and mechanical conditions your jaw needs to calm down, re-pattern, and function more smoothly.

 

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Who This Is For

 

This approach may be especially helpful if you:

• Experience jaw clicking or popping

• Hold tension in your jaw, face, or neck

• Clench or grind your teeth

• Are navigating hormonal changes

• Want a non-invasive, holistic approach

 

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Start Supporting Your Jaw Today

 

If you’re tired of chasing symptoms and want to address TMJ support from both the mechanical and nutritional side, this program was created for you.

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