Jaw pain is something that affects many people, yet it is also something many people do not think to mention to their dentist. Pain in the jaw, clicking or popping sounds when opening the mouth, headaches, earache, and a stiff or locked jaw can all be symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorder, more commonly referred to as TMJ disorder or TMD.
The temporomandibular joints are the two joints on either side of the head that connect the lower jaw to the skull. They are among the most complex joints in the body, combining hinge and sliding movements to allow us to talk, chew, and yawn. When these joints or the surrounding muscles are not working properly, the result can be a range of symptoms that vary from mildly uncomfortable to genuinely debilitating.
What Causes TMJ Disorder?
TMJ disorder can have several causes, and in many cases more than one factor is involved. Teeth grinding and jaw clenching, known as bruxism, are among the most common contributing factors. Many people grind their teeth at night without being aware of it, and the sustained muscle activity and force involved puts significant stress on the jaw joints and surrounding muscles.
Stress and anxiety often make bruxism worse. When people are under pressure, they tend to hold tension in the jaw and facial muscles, which can trigger or exacerbate TMJ symptoms. This is why jaw pain sometimes becomes more noticeable during particularly stressful periods of life.
An uneven bite, caused by misaligned teeth, missing teeth, or dental restorations that are not correctly adjusted, can also contribute to TMJ problems by placing uneven forces on the joints. Injury or trauma to the jaw is another cause, as is arthritis affecting the joint itself.
In some people, TMJ symptoms appear and resolve without a clear identified cause. The condition is significantly more common in women than in men, and most often affects people between the ages of 20 and 40.
What Are the Symptoms?
The symptoms of TMJ disorder can vary considerably between individuals. Common symptoms include pain or tenderness in the jaw, face, or around the ear, a clicking, popping, or grating sound when opening or closing the mouth, difficulty or discomfort when chewing, a jaw that locks open or closed temporarily, and headaches, particularly in the temples or back of the head.
Because some of these symptoms overlap with other conditions such as earache, sinus problems, or dental pain, TMJ disorder can sometimes be misdiagnosed or go unrecognised for some time. If you have been experiencing any of these symptoms persistently, it is worth mentioning them to your dentist at Cliftonville Dental.
How Can a Dentist Help?
Dentists are well-placed to identify and manage TMJ disorder because of their understanding of the bite, the jaw joints, and the muscles involved in chewing. At Cliftonville Dental in Northampton, we will assess your symptoms, examine your bite and jaw movement, and look for signs of tooth grinding or wear.
One of the most common initial treatments for TMJ disorder related to bruxism is an occlusal splint, also known as a night guard or bite guard. This is a custom-made hard acrylic appliance worn over the teeth, usually at night. It prevents the teeth from making contact, which reduces the load on the jaw joints and muscles and allows them to rest and recover. Many patients find significant relief from jaw pain and headaches after a few weeks of consistent night guard wear.
In addition to a night guard, stress management techniques, physiotherapy exercises for the jaw, and pain relief during acute flare-ups can all form part of a broader management approach. In some cases, if bite imbalance is thought to be contributing to the problem, adjustments to dental restorations or orthodontic treatment may be recommended.
For patients who are also grinding their teeth, protecting the enamel is an important consideration. Severe bruxism can cause significant wear to the tooth surfaces over time. This is covered in more detail in our guide on cracked and broken teeth at Cliftonville Dental, which explains the relationship between grinding and tooth damage.
When to Seek Help
If you have been putting up with jaw pain, clicking, or headaches and have not mentioned it to your dentist, now is the time to do so. TMJ symptoms often respond well to relatively straightforward treatment, but they can worsen over time if left unaddressed. Early intervention is generally more effective and less involved than treatment once the condition has become more entrenched.
Frequently Asked Questions About TMJ and Jaw Pain
Is TMJ Disorder Serious?
It can range from mild and manageable to significantly impactful on daily life. While it is rarely dangerous in a medical sense, persistent jaw pain, headaches, and restricted jaw movement can substantially affect quality of life and deserve proper assessment and treatment.
Can TMJ Disorder Go Away on Its Own?
For some people, symptoms are temporary and resolve without treatment, particularly if they are related to an identifiable cause such as a period of stress. For others, symptoms are chronic and require active management.
Will I Need Surgery for TMJ Disorder?
Surgery is very rarely needed and is only considered for severe cases that have not responded to more conservative treatments. The vast majority of patients with TMJ disorder are managed successfully with non-surgical approaches.
How Long Does a Night Guard Take to Make?
At Cliftonville Dental, impressions or digital scans of your teeth are taken at one appointment, and the finished night guard is usually ready within one to two weeks.
Can Children Get TMJ Disorder?
Yes, though it is less common in children. Bruxism is relatively common in children and often resolves on its own. If your child is showing signs of teeth grinding or jaw discomfort, mention it to your dentist.
Book a TMJ Assessment at Cliftonville Dental, Northampton
If you are experiencing jaw pain, clicking, or persistent headaches, our team at Cliftonville Dental in Northampton can help identify the cause and recommend the most appropriate treatment. Contact us today to book your assessment and take the first step towards lasting relief.
Written by Dr Anesh Patel
Dentist, B.D.S. M.F.G.D.P. (UK)
Co-owner of Cliftonville Dental, Dr Anesh Patel qualified from Kings College London in 1999 and has practised in Northampton ever since, with a special interest in cosmetic and implant dentistry.
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