TMJ
Jaw clicking is usually caused by the small cartilage disc inside the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) shifting as the jaw opens and closes. Clicking without pain or locking is common and often needs no treatment. When clicking comes with pain, headaches, limited opening, or locking, it may be a temporomandibular disorder (TMD). Most TMDs improve with conservative care, such as jaw rest, a soft diet, heat, and a night guard, rather than surgery.
Please note: our Waterloo office is not currently accepting TMJ referrals. This article is general education to help you understand your symptoms and find the right care.
Key takeaways
- Painless clicking is common and is usually not a cause for concern.
- Pain, locking, or difficulty opening are reasons to have your jaw assessed.
- Clenching and grinding, stress, arthritis, and injury are common contributors.
- Most people improve with conservative, reversible treatments.
- Your family dentist is a good first stop; they can coordinate referral if needed.
How The Jaw Joint Works
You have two temporomandibular joints, one in front of each ear, connecting the lower jaw to the skull. Each joint has a small disc of cartilage that cushions the movement. When the disc slips slightly forward and then pops back into place as you open, you may hear or feel a click. Chewing muscles on each side move the jaw, and when they are overworked, they can become sore and tight.
Common Causes Of Jaw Clicking And Pain
- Clenching or grinding (bruxism), often during sleep or stress
- Muscle tension in the jaw, neck, and shoulders
- Disc displacement, where the disc sits slightly out of position
- Arthritis affecting the joint
- Injury to the jaw or face
- Habits such as gum chewing, nail biting, or resting the chin on a hand
- Bite changes after dental work, which some people notice as temporary discomfort
When Is Jaw Clicking A Concern?
| Usually not a concern | Worth having assessed |
|---|---|
| Occasional painless clicking | Clicking with pain in the jaw, ear, or temple |
| Normal range of opening | Difficulty opening fully or the jaw "catching" |
| No headaches or muscle soreness | Frequent morning headaches or jaw muscle soreness |
| Stable symptoms for years | New grating sounds, or symptoms that are getting worse |
| The jaw locks open or closed |
Seek prompt medical care for jaw pain after an injury, if you cannot close your mouth, or if jaw pain comes with chest pain, shortness of breath, facial swelling, or numbness.
Self-Care That Often Helps
Most TMJ symptoms respond to simple, reversible steps:
- Rest the jaw. Choose softer foods for a while and cut food into small pieces.
- Avoid heavy chewing. Skip gum, tough meats, and very chewy candy.
- Apply moist heat or a cold pack to the sore muscles for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Keep your teeth apart. At rest, lips together, teeth slightly apart, tongue relaxed.
- Watch daytime clenching. Notice when you clench at a desk, while driving, or during exercise.
- Manage stress through sleep, exercise, and relaxation techniques.
- Use over-the-counter pain relievers as directed on the package, if they are safe for you.
- Avoid wide yawning and singing wide during flare-ups; support your chin when you yawn.
Professional Treatment Options For TMD
| Option | What it involves | Who usually provides it |
|---|---|---|
| Assessment | History, joint and muscle examination, bite check | Family dentist |
| Night guard (occlusal splint) | Custom appliance worn at night to reduce clenching forces | Dentist |
| Physiotherapy | Jaw exercises, manual therapy, posture work | Physiotherapist |
| Medication | Short-term anti-inflammatories or muscle relaxants | Dentist or physician |
| Imaging | X-rays or other imaging when joint disease is suspected | Dentist, physician, or specialist |
| Specialist care | Orofacial pain or joint-focused care for persistent cases | Specialists by referral |
| Surgery | Rarely needed; reserved for specific joint problems | Surgical specialists |
Your family dentist is usually the best place to start. They can examine the joint, make a night guard if needed, and refer you to other providers if symptoms persist.
Why Do TMJ Symptoms Come And Go?
TMD often flares with stress, poor sleep, illness, heavy chewing, or long dental appointments, and settles when those triggers ease. Many people have long periods without symptoms. Keeping up good habits, such as a relaxed jaw posture and wearing a night guard if prescribed, helps reduce flare-ups.
Care In Waterloo Region
Our office at 96 Union Street East in Waterloo is not currently accepting TMJ referrals. If you live in Waterloo, Kitchener, Cambridge, or Guelph and have jaw pain, start with your family dentist, who can assess your symptoms and coordinate care with physiotherapists or other specialists in the region. If your dentist has referred you to us for another reason, such as wisdom teeth or dental implants, let us know about any jaw symptoms at your consultation so we can plan your treatment comfortably. General information is available on our TMJ disorders page.
Sources
- National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. TMD (temporomandibular disorders).
- TMJ disorders, Dr. Kevin J. McCann Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery.
FAQ
Is Jaw Clicking Normal?
Painless jaw clicking is common and often does not need treatment. Have it checked if it comes with pain, locking, difficulty opening, or headaches, or if it is getting worse.
Can TMJ Go Away On Its Own?
Many TMJ symptoms improve over time with rest, a soft diet, reduced clenching, and stress management. Persistent or worsening symptoms should be assessed by your dentist.
Does A Night Guard Help TMJ?
A custom night guard can reduce the forces from clenching and grinding during sleep and may ease morning jaw pain and headaches. Your dentist can advise whether one is right for you.
Who Treats TMJ In Kitchener-Waterloo?
Start with your family dentist. Depending on your symptoms, care may involve physiotherapists, physicians, or specialists. Our office is not currently accepting TMJ referrals.
Can Wisdom Teeth Cause Jaw Pain?
Impacted or infected wisdom teeth can cause pain near the jaw joint and difficulty opening. A dental examination and X-rays help tell the difference between tooth-related pain and TMJ pain.
This article is general patient education and does not replace an examination, diagnosis, or the written instructions from your own surgeon or dentist. If you have heavy bleeding, trouble breathing or swallowing, or rapidly spreading swelling, call the office or go to the nearest emergency department.