The jaw joint and what can go wrong
The temporomandibular joints sit just in front of each ear and connect your lower jaw to your skull. They hinge and slide every time you talk, chew or yawn, guided by a small disc of cartilage and several strong chewing muscles.
Temporomandibular disorders, often shortened to TMD or called TMJ problems, is an umbrella term for pain or dysfunction in these joints and muscles. The most common type is muscle pain from overworked chewing muscles. Others involve the disc slipping out of position, or wear and inflammation in the joint itself.
Symptoms people notice
TMD can show up in different ways, and you may have one symptom or several. Some people notice symptoms mostly in the morning, which can point to night-time clenching, while others find they build through the day:
- Aching in the jaw, face, temples or just in front of the ear
- Clicking, popping or a grating sound when opening or chewing
- A jaw that catches, locks or won’t open fully
- Pain when chewing, yawning or talking for a long time
- Headaches, often at the temples, or a feeling of fullness in the ear
- A bite that suddenly feels different
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Common causes and triggers
TMD usually has several contributing factors rather than one cause. Clenching or grinding, chewing gum often, biting nails or pens, a blow to the chin, very wide or prolonged opening, arthritis, poor sleep and posture can each play a part.
Stress deserves a mention, as it often shows up as tension in the jaw muscles. Jaw pain is also more common in people with other ongoing pain, such as neck pain or tension headaches, so looking at the whole picture is often more useful than focusing on the teeth alone.
Self‑care that often helps
Clicking on its own, without pain or locking, is very common and often doesn’t need treatment. For painful symptoms, simple and reversible steps are usually the first line of care:
- Rest your jaw with softer foods for a while, cut food into small pieces, and skip gum, tough meat and hard lollies
- Keep your lips together, teeth apart and tongue resting gently behind your upper front teeth
- Support your chin with your hand when you yawn
- Apply a warm compress or a wrapped cold pack to sore muscles for 10 to 15 minutes
- Notice and drop habits such as clenching while concentrating or resting your chin on your hand
- Ask your pharmacist about short-term pain relief that suits you
- Look after your sleep and make time for things that ease stress, such as gentle exercise
What a jaw assessment involves
We’ll ask when the pain started, what makes it better or worse, whether your jaw has ever locked, and about headaches, sleep, stress and past injuries. Your dentist then feels the muscles of your face, jaw and neck, listens and feels for joint sounds, measures how far your mouth opens, and checks how your teeth meet and whether they show signs of grinding.
Jaw pain sometimes comes from somewhere else, such as a cracked or infected tooth, sinus congestion or tension in the neck. Part of the assessment is working out whether the joint and chewing muscles are really the source, so the right problem gets treated.
An OPG x‑ray, taken at our surgery, gives an overview of the jaws and joints and helps rule out dental causes such as an infected tooth or an impacted wisdom tooth. If more detail is needed, we can arrange a referral for 3D imaging.
Treatment options, including splints
Care usually starts with conservative, reversible measures: the self-care steps above, gentle jaw exercises, and treating any toothache or dental problem that’s adding to the pain. Exercises are worth learning from a dentist or physio, as pushing a painful jaw too far can aggravate it. Keeping a short diary of when pain flares and what you were doing can help you spot your own triggers.
A custom hard splint worn at night is one option, particularly when clenching or grinding is involved, and may ease muscle pain for some people. It isn’t right for everyone and isn’t a cure; our night splints page explains how they work. Irreversible treatments, such as reshaping teeth to change the bite, generally aren’t recommended as a first step for TMD.
Working with physios, GPs and registered specialists
Jaw pain is often managed with a team approach. A physiotherapist with an interest in the jaw can help with manual therapy, exercises and posture, and your GP can help with sleep, stress, other pain conditions and medicines.
For persistent, complex or joint-related problems, we may refer you to a registered specialist in oral medicine or oral and maxillofacial surgery. We’ll explain why we’re suggesting a referral and what to expect.
When jaw pain needs urgent attention
Most jaw pain isn’t an emergency, but some signs need prompt care:
- Your jaw is locked open and won’t close: call us or go to an emergency department
- Swelling of the face or jaw, fever, or a bad taste that suggests infection
- Jaw pain after an injury, especially if your teeth no longer meet properly
- Numbness, tingling or weakness in the face
- If you’re over 50, a new headache at the temples with jaw pain on chewing, scalp tenderness or vision changes: see a doctor the same day
- Jaw pain with chest pain, breathlessness, sweating or arm pain: call 000
Jaw pain & TMD, step by step
Questions about jaw pain & TMD
My jaw clicks but doesn’t hurt. Do I need treatment?
Usually not. Clicking without pain is common and often stays the same for years. It’s worth a check if it becomes painful, your jaw starts catching or locking, or you can’t open as wide as before.
Can TMD cause earache or headaches?
Yes. The jaw joint sits right next to the ear canal, so joint and muscle pain can feel like earache, and tight chewing muscles can contribute to headaches at the temples. Ear pain has other causes too, so see your GP if you notice hearing changes, discharge or fever.
Will TMD go away on its own?
Many episodes settle within weeks to a few months with self-care, although symptoms can return during stressful periods. Pain that lasts longer or is severe is worth assessing so the contributing factors can be addressed.
Should I see a dentist or a physio first?
Either can be a reasonable starting point. A dentist can check for tooth, bite and grinding-related causes and take an OPG x‑ray, while a physio can work on muscles, posture and movement. Many people see both, and we can suggest a referral.
My jaw won’t open fully. What should I do?
Don’t force it. Rest your jaw, stick to soft foods, use warmth on the muscles and call us for an appointment. A jaw that’s stuck open and won’t close is different and needs prompt care.
Can dental treatment set off my jaw pain?
Holding your mouth open for a long time can strain the joints and muscles in some people. If you have TMD, tell us before treatment so we can plan rest breaks and keep appointments shorter where possible.