Mo: Posture & Back Pain Relief
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Jaw relaxation for clenching
If you catch yourself clenching, the jaw resting position is a simple reset: lips together, teeth apart, tongue resting up. It is a habit you can check in on throughout the day.
General information, not medical advice. Move gently and stop if anything hurts.
How to do it
- Let your lips rest together and your back teeth come apart.
- Rest the tip of your tongue on the roof of your mouth, just behind your front teeth.
- Breathe slowly through your nose and let your jaw feel heavy.
Dose: Hold for 20 seconds.
Tip: Your teeth should only touch when you chew or swallow. Check in with this position during the day.
Common mistakes
- Pressing the tongue hard against the roof of the mouth. It should rest lightly.
- Keeping the teeth lightly touching. Teeth should only meet when you chew or swallow.
- Forcing the jaw open or sideways. Keep it relaxed and heavy.
- Ignoring ongoing jaw pain or clicking that is getting worse. Ask a dentist or doctor.
Put a small reminder note on your screen. Check your jaw whenever you read it.
When to stop and see a professional
Stop and speak to a doctor or physiotherapist if you notice:
- numbness, tingling or weakness in an arm, hand, leg or foot
- pain that spreads (radiates) down an arm or leg
- pain that started after an accident, fall or other injury
- loss of bladder or bowel control, or numbness between your legs (seek emergency care)
- pain that keeps getting worse, wakes you at night, or comes with fever or unexplained weight loss
- jaw that locks open or closed, or you cannot open it fully
- swelling in the face or jaw, or pain with fever
Do this with Mo, a 5-minute guided routine app
Mo the sloth guides short daily posture, neck and back exercises, with gentle reminders and a pain check-in. Learn more about Mo.
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- Mo: Posture & Back Pain Relief app