In the context of the growing knowledge about the influence of psychosocial factors on health, this article focuses on the role of stress in painful temporomandibular disorder and oral habits. Knowledge about the influence of stress on health, oral habits, and painful temporomandibular disorders is summarized, making clear that although knowledge is increasing, there is a lot still unclear. With regards to oral habits, it turns out that awake oral habits are, but oral habits during sleep are not influenced by stress, but better diagnostic procedures and more research distinguishing the different types of oral habits are needed in order to further our understanding. Increasing knowledge about the aetiology of painful temporomandibular disorders is showing a complex interplay of aetiological factors. Stress and oral habits are part of this, but much remains to be discovered about the way in which the aetiological factors interact and influence outcomes. When it comes to stress, especially childhood adversity appears to be a promising focus for further research.