By Dr. Keerthi Sudireddy
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your jaw to your skull and is used every time you talk or eat. When it is strained, the pain and clicking can affect daily life, but most cases respond well to simple treatment.
Quick answer
TMJ problems cause jaw pain, clicking, headaches, and difficulty opening the mouth. Common causes are teeth grinding, stress, an uneven bite, or jaw injury. Most cases improve with conservative care: a night guard, jaw exercises, stress management, soft foods, and treating any bite issue. Surgery is rarely needed.
Common symptoms
- Pain or tenderness in the jaw, around the ear, or in the temples.
- Clicking or popping when opening the mouth.
- Difficulty or discomfort opening wide or chewing.
- Frequent headaches and jaw stiffness in the morning.
What causes it
- Teeth grinding and clenching, often stress-related.
- An uneven bite or missing teeth.
- Jaw injury or arthritis of the joint.
How it is treated
- A custom night guard to reduce grinding and joint strain.
- Jaw exercises and warm compresses.
- Stress management and soft foods during flare-ups.
- Correcting bite problems or replacing missing teeth.
If your jaw hurts or clicks, book an assessment at The Tooth Studio.
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