Short answer
The temporomandibular joints (TMJ) connect your lower jaw to your skull. TMJ disorders cause jaw pain, clicking, stiffness or headaches. A dentist can assess your bite, jaw and muscles and suggest ways to ease the problem, which often start with simple, reversible steps.
What is the TMJ?
You have two temporomandibular joints, one on each side of your head, in front of your ears. They let you open and close your mouth, chew and talk. Problems with the joints or the muscles around them are called temporomandibular disorders (TMD or TMJ disorders).
Signs and symptoms
- Jaw pain or tenderness.
- Clicking, popping or grating when you open or close your mouth.
- Jaw that feels stiff, or that locks.
- Headaches, or pain near the ear or temples.
- Difficulty chewing, or a bite that feels uneven.
These signs can have other causes, so it helps to be checked.
What can cause it?
The cause is not always clear. Teeth grinding or clenching, jaw injury, arthritis, stress and muscle tension can all play a part.
How does a dentist assess it?
The dentist asks about your symptoms and health, feels the jaw and muscles, watches how your jaw moves, listens for clicking, and checks your teeth and bite. X-rays or other images may be needed. If the problem seems to come from elsewhere, you may be referred to a doctor or specialist.
Treatment options
Many cases improve with simple care. Options a dentist may discuss include:
- Rest for the jaw: soft foods and avoiding wide yawning or gum chewing.
- Warm or cold packs.
- Gentle jaw exercises, if advised.
- Managing stress and clenching habits.
- A custom night guard to protect the teeth and reduce strain.
- Pain relief as directed.
Surgery is rarely needed.
When to seek other care
See a doctor or go to hospital if your jaw is locked and will not open, if you have a jaw injury, or if pain comes with chest pain or other worrying signs.
Frequently asked questions
- What are TMJ disorders?
- Problems with the jaw joints or the muscles that move them, causing pain, clicking or stiffness.
- What causes jaw clicking?
- It can come from the joint disc or the muscles. Clicking without pain is common. A dentist can check.
- Can a night guard help?
- For some people, especially if they grind or clench, a custom night guard can help reduce strain.
- When should I see a dentist?
- If jaw pain, clicking, locking or headaches last or interfere with eating.
- Does it go away on its own?
- Some cases settle with rest and simple care. Others need treatment.
Next step
If you have jaw pain or clicking, read about the clinic's TMJ treatment or book a visit. Wetaskiwin Smiles is at 3600 56 St Unit 101, Wetaskiwin, AB T9A 3T5. Call (780) 396-4040 or request an appointment online.