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Jaw Pain & TMJ

Pain or clicking at the jaw joint (just in front of the ear), morning soreness, and headaches at the temples usually trace to the temporomandibular joint and the muscles around it — aggravated by clenching and grinding, often during sleep.

The reassuring part

Most TMJ flares settle within weeks with conservative care: soft foods, small bites, no gum, moist heat on the muscles, over-the-counter anti-inflammatories, and consciously keeping teeth apart during the day ('lips together, teeth apart'). Painless clicking alone generally needs no treatment at all.

When to escalate

See a dentist if pain persists past two to three weeks, the jaw locks open or closed, or you wake with worn, flattened, or chipped teeth — signs of significant grinding that a custom night guard can address. Be wary of aggressive, expensive 'full-mouth TMJ reconstruction' pitches for garden-variety jaw pain; conservative and reversible comes first.

Related

• Find a dentist near you
• Orofacial pain specialists exist
• Find dental clinics by state

Sources

• MedlinePlus (NIH): Jaw Injuries and Disorders
• ADA MouthHealthy (American Dental Association)

General dental-health information, not medical or dental advice. In an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.