Teeth Apart at Rest: The “Freeway Space” and How to Find Your Neutral Jaw Position

If your teeth are touching right now, you’re not alone — but you’re also not resting.

Most people don’t realize that the jaw’s muscles relax best when your teeth are slightly apart, creating a small gap called the freeway space. Many TMJ specialists also teach resting the tongue gently on the roof of the mouth, which helps reinforce this relaxed, neutral posture and prevents the muscles from staying engaged.

What Is the Neutral Jaw (or “N”) Position?

TMJ specialists and physical therapists teach the N-resting position as a simple way to relax jaw muscles and reduce tension. It’s called the “N” Resting Position because it mimics the posture your mouth naturally takes when you say the letter N – and it puts the jaw in Neutral.

In this position:

• Your tongue rests on the roof of your mouth just behind your upper front teeth.

• Your lips are lightly closed or gently apart.

• Your teeth do not touch — they’re separated by a few millimeters.

• Your jaw muscles are relaxed, not holding tension or clenching.

This is your neutral jaw position — where the muscles, joints, and ligaments are at rest and balanced.

What Is the “Freeway Space”?

Dentists call this small gap between your upper and lower teeth the freeway space (also known as the interocclusal rest space).

When your jaw is truly relaxed, there’s normally about 2–4 millimeters of space between your teeth — though studies show that natural variation can extend up to 5 or 6 millimeters in some people.

And when the jaw is supported by a soft rest — like Lisa’s TMJ Mouth Pillow — that slightly larger space can actually allow the muscles to relax more completely, because they’re not working to hold the jaw in position.

That may not sound like much, but it’s enough to make a big difference. When the freeway space closes — meaning your teeth touch — the jaw muscles engage. If that happens all day (from stress, concentration, or habit), those muscles stay overworked and sore.

How to Find Your Neutral Jaw Position (A 30-Second Reset)

1. Sit tall and release your shoulders.

   Tension in the neck and shoulders often travels straight to the jaw.

   
   

2. Say the letter “N.”

   Notice where your tongue naturally rests at the top of your mouth.

   
   

3. Hold that tongue position.

   Let your lips close softly or stay slightly apart — but make sure your teeth aren’t touching.

   
   

4. Breathe slowly through your nose.

   Feel how your jaw muscles begin to soften as your tongue anchors gently upward.

   
   

5. Repeat throughout the day.

   Check in when you’re working, driving, or scrolling your phone. Every reset reduces strain on your jaw.

How Lisa’s TMJ Mouth Pillow Helps

If you struggle to maintain that neutral position — or tend to clench without realizing — the Lisa’s TMJ Mouth Pillow acts as a gentle physical guide.

By providing a soft, comfortable resting point between your teeth, it helps you:

• Maintain the neutral jaw posture taught by TMJ specialists

• Relax overworked muscles during the day

• Ease tension without forcing your mouth open

• Reinforce what your body should feel like at rest

It’s a simple cue — but for many people, it’s the first time their jaw has truly been at ease.

Common Habits That Keep Your Jaw Tense

Even when we’re not aware of it, small habits can keep the jaw “switched on.”Here are a few to watch out for:

• Constant teeth contact while concentrating

• Gum chewing or nail biting

• Resting your chin on your hand

• Jaw clenching during stress or focus

• Poor posture (head pushed forward, neck tension)

  
  

Each of these shortens or eliminates the freeway space, keeping your muscles engaged when they should be resting.

When to Seek Professional Help

If your jaw pain is persistent, your jaw locks or pops, or you have headaches that don’t improve with rest, it’s worth seeing a dentist or TMJ specialist.

They can assess your bite, muscle activity, and provide tailored recommendations — including how to use relaxation tools like the Mouth Pillow as part of a broader TMJ care routine.

The Takeaway

Your teeth aren’t supposed to touch all day — and learning that can be a game-changer.By keeping your teeth slightly apart, your tongue to the palate, and your jaw relaxed, you give your muscles the break they’ve been asking for.

Remember: Resting is healing.And sometimes, a tiny reminder — like Lisa’s TMJ Mouth Pillow — is all it takes to stay neutral and pain-free.