Jaw pain and clicking, popping or stiffness in the jaw joint are often linked to the joints in front of your ears, called the temporomandibular joints or TMJ. These problems are common and usually managed without surgery.
At a glance
- What it is
- Pain, clicking or stiffness in the jaw joint or the muscles that move the jaw
- Numbing
- Not usually needed for the examination
- Time or visits
- A check-up visit, with a management plan and follow-up review
- Aftercare
- Depends on the plan; may include a night guard, jaw rest and exercises
- Cost
- Depends on what is needed. Your dentist tells you before starting.
What TMJ problems are
The temporomandibular joints connect your jawbone to your skull, one on each side just in front of your ears, and they let you chew, speak and open your mouth. Problems with these joints, often called TMJ or TMD, can cause pain in the jaw, face or ear, clicking or popping when you open or close your mouth, or a jaw that feels stiff or gets stuck. Common causes include clenching or grinding the teeth, stress, an uneven bite, or wear and tear on the joint. It can also follow an injury to the jaw.
Signs to notice
- Pain or tenderness in the jaw, especially on waking or after chewing
- Clicking, popping or grating sounds when opening or closing your mouth
- Jaw that feels stiff, or gets stuck open or closed
- Pain that spreads to the face, ear or neck
- Headaches, often around the temples, particularly if you also grind your teeth
What happens step by step
- Examination. The dentist checks your jaw movement, listens for clicking, and looks at your bite and for signs of teeth grinding.
- Discussion. The dentist asks about your symptoms, stress levels, and habits such as clenching, chewing gum, or resting your chin on your hand.
- Simple measures first. Advice usually starts with resting the jaw, eating softer food for a while, and gentle jaw exercises.
- A night guard, if needed. If grinding or clenching is contributing, a custom night guard can reduce the strain on the joint. See our Teeth Grinding and Night Guards page.
- Review. A follow-up visit checks whether symptoms are settling, and further options are discussed if they are not.
Looking after your jaw
- Eat softer foods and avoid wide yawns or very hard, chewy food while it settles.
- Avoid chewing gum, and try not to clench or grind during the day.
- Apply a warm compress to the jaw if it feels tense, and try gentle stretching if the dentist has shown you how.
- Wear a night guard as advised if one has been fitted for grinding.
- Try to notice and manage stress, since it often makes clenching worse.
Risks and other options
Most jaw joint problems settle with simple measures such as rest, a softer diet and a night guard, and results vary from person to person. Ongoing or severe cases can sometimes need referral to a specialist for further assessment. The dentist will let you know if your symptoms need more than the usual first steps.
When to get urgent help
See your dentist soon if your jaw pain is severe, your jaw gets stuck and will not move, or pain is not improving with simple measures. Go to the nearest hospital straight away (or call 112) if you have swelling of the face or neck, swelling that makes it hard to breathe or swallow, jaw pain after an injury, or a fever together with facial pain. Do not wait for an appointment.
Common questions
Will treatment hurt?
The examination itself does not hurt, though the joint may already feel tender. Treatment is usually gentle, non-surgical care.
Why does my jaw click?
Clicking often comes from the small disc inside the joint moving slightly out of its usual position. It does not always need treatment unless it comes with pain or locking.
Is TMJ pain linked to teeth grinding?
Yes, grinding or clenching the teeth is a common contributor, and a night guard is often recommended if this applies to you.
Can stress cause jaw pain?
Stress can lead to more clenching and muscle tension around the jaw, which can bring on or worsen symptoms.
Do I need surgery for TMJ problems?
Most people improve with simple, non-surgical care. Surgery is uncommon and only considered in more severe or ongoing cases, usually after referral to a specialist.
How much does it cost?
It depends on what is needed, so we can only tell you after examining you. Dr. Anjali will explain the cost before starting.
Jaw pain and TMJ care at Gangtok Dental Clinic
Dr. Anjali Gupta sees patients at Gangtok Dental Clinic and has more than 8 years of experience in dentistry. She will examine your jaw and bite first, explain what she finds, go through the options and the cost with you, and nothing is started until you are ready to go ahead.
We are open every day from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Call or message us on WhatsApp at +91 82106 99271 to book a check. Our address is on the contact page.
This page gives general information about the treatment. It is not a diagnosis or medical advice, and what you need depends on an examination by your dentist. Please read our Medical Disclaimer.