Jaw pain and TMD: causes, signs and what helps

Jaw pain, a click when you open wide, or a jaw that feels tired by the end of the day are all common, and they often point to what dentists call a TMD. The good news is that most of these problems are mild and settle with simple, gentle measures. The useful thing is knowing what usually helps, and which signs are worth having looked at rather than waiting out.

What the jaw joint is, and what TMD means

The temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, is the small hinge just in front of each ear where your lower jaw meets your skull. You use it every time you talk, chew or yawn. TMD, temporomandibular disorder, is the umbrella term for problems affecting that joint and the muscles around it. It is not one single disease but a group of related issues, which is why it can feel different from person to person.

The usual signs

• Aching or tenderness around the jaw, ear or cheek
• A clicking, popping or grating sound when you open or close
• A jaw that feels stiff, tired, or briefly locks open or closed
• Difficulty or discomfort opening the mouth wide
• Headaches, or pain spreading to the neck and shoulders

A click on its own, with no pain and no limitation, is extremely common and usually harmless. It is the combination of pain, locking or restricted opening that is worth acting on.

What tends to cause it

Several things can contribute, often together. The most common is clenching or grinding the teeth, frequently during sleep or at times of stress, which overworks the jaw muscles. Others include an uneven bite, a knock or injury to the jaw, habitual gum chewing, poor posture, and, less often, arthritis affecting the joint. Because the causes overlap, working out which apply to you is part of the assessment.

What usually helps, starting simple

For most people, the first steps are gentle and completely reversible, and they resolve or ease a great many cases:

• Resting the jaw and avoiding wide yawning or hard, chewy foods for a while
• Warm or cold compresses on the sore area
• Gentle jaw stretches and relaxation, easing the habit of clenching
• Managing stress, which is a common driver of clenching
• A custom night guard where night-time grinding is part of the picture, to protect the teeth and settle the muscles

Only a minority of cases need more than this. When they do, the sensible route is a proper assessment first and, where appropriate, referral to the right specialist rather than jumping to irreversible treatment. Good care here is careful and stepwise.

When to see a dentist

It is worth booking a visit if jaw pain lasts more than a week or two, if your jaw locks open or closed, if opening your mouth is hard or painful, if the pain is spreading to your ear, head or neck, or if you notice your teeth wearing down. A dentist can examine your jaw, bite and teeth, explain what is likely happening, and start with the simple measures above. You can book an assessment if your jaw has been bothering you.

Sources & further reading

American Dental Association (MouthHealthy) · NIDCR, US National Institute of Dental & Craniofacial Research · NHS, Dental Health · Indian Dental Association