Clenching, Grinding and Jaw Pain: Why It Happens More in Your 40s

“Stress isn’t always the culprit; sometimes the problem is literally right under your tongue 👅.”

In this inspiring episode of The Forties Formula podcast, hosts Jasmin Dhillon and Amanda Lim sit down with VERONICA ONG, a nutritionist, bodywork practitioner, and founder of Nourish Naturally and The Holistic Space by Nourish Naturally to uncover a surprising culprit behind fatigue, stress, poor sleep, and midlife discomfort: the jaw.

We explore why women in their 40s are particularly prone to jaw issues, how hormones, posture, and even tongue tension play a role, and why clenching and grinding is more than “just stress.” Veronica shares practical strategies for relief, including jaw and tongue exercises, sleep testing, posture adjustments, and when mouthguards or even Botox can help.

Tune in to learn how something as small as your jaw can have a huge impact on energy, mood, and overall well-being and walk away with actionable tips to reduce pain, restore function, and improve your quality of life. This episode is a must-listen for anyone ready to stop ignoring their jaw and start feeling better from the inside out.

Jaw health is often overlooked, yet it affects so much more than we realize. By paying attention to posture, diet, sleep, and proper exercises, women in their 40s can regain comfort, improve sleep, and maintain a higher quality of life.

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CHAPTERS

00:00 – Episode Snippet

01:31 – Why midlife women experience more jaw pain and tension

04:23 – Hormonal changes and their impact on jaw tightness

07:39 – Tongue ties and their connection to jaw issues

09:04 – TMJ vs TMD: Understanding the difference

12:11 – Why jaw pain is often misdiagnosed

14:06 – Telltale symptoms that shouldn’t be ignored

16:17 – The role of mouth guards

19:19 – What can help relieve the pain and discomfort of TMD?

22:25 – Botox helps but does not treat the root cause

27:27 – Fuel Your Forties

29:06 – Chewing is necessary exercise

30:16 – Childhood Chewing & Teeth Spacing

32:12 – Can face shape change?

33:23 – Hot or Hype: Jaw & Facial Tools

36:47 – Quick relief for jaw & neck pain

38:09 – Understanding the Jaw as a Joint

39:23 – The 40s Formula: Nourish the body and mind

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