Jaw clicking, pain when chewing or trouble opening your mouth? Learn about TMJ disorders, their causes and simple treatments that help.
Does your jaw click or pop when you open your mouth? Do you feel pain while chewing, or find it hard to open wide? These are common signs of a TMJ disorder, a problem with the jaw joints or the muscles that move them.
What Is the TMJ?
The temporomandibular joints (TMJ) sit just in front of your ears on both sides, connecting your lower jaw to your skull. They allow you to talk, chew and yawn.
Common Symptoms
- Pain in the jaw, face or around the ear
- Clicking, popping or grating sounds
- Difficulty opening the mouth fully
- The jaw getting stuck or locking
- Headaches, especially in the morning
- A tired feeling in the jaw muscles
- A change in how your teeth fit together
What Causes TMJ Problems?
- Teeth grinding and clenching
- Stress, which tightens the jaw muscles
- An uneven bite or missing teeth
- Injury to the jaw
- Arthritis in the joint
- Habits like chewing gum constantly or biting nails
Simple Self-Care
- Eat softer foods and cut food into small pieces
- Avoid chewing gum and very wide yawning
- Apply a warm compress to the jaw muscles
- Keep your teeth apart and jaw relaxed during the day
- Practise stress relief like deep breathing
How a Dentist Can Help
Most TMJ problems improve with conservative, non-surgical care:
- A custom occlusal splint or night guard to reduce pressure on the joints
- Bite adjustment or replacing missing teeth
- Jaw exercises to improve movement
- Acupuncture, where suitable, to relax tight muscles and ease pain
If you have jaw pain lasting more than a couple of weeks, or your jaw locks, get it checked early.
Related treatment: read more about TMJ Disorder Treatment in Mohali at Urja Dental Clinic.
Book a Visit at Urja Dental Clinic, Mohali
If you have any of these concerns, book a consultation at Urja Dental Clinic, S.S.S. (Bay Shop) 74, Sector 60, Phase 3B2, Mohali. We are easy to reach from Phase 3B1, Phase 5, Phase 7, Kharar and Chandigarh. Call +91 86999 69619 or +91 78890 93147, or book online.
