Jaw pain and clicking can significantly impact your quality of life. Learn about causes and solutions.
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your jaw to your skull. When problems develop with this joint or the muscles around it, you may experience TMJ disorder (TMD).
Common Symptoms
- Jaw pain or tenderness
- Clicking or popping sounds when opening mouth
- Difficulty chewing
- Facial pain
- Locking of the jaw
- Headaches or earaches
Causes of TMJ Disorders
- Teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism)
- Arthritis in the joint
- Injury to the jaw
- Stress causing muscle tension
- Misaligned bite
Treatment Options
Home Remedies - Apply ice or heat packs - Eat soft foods - Avoid extreme jaw movements - Practice relaxation techniques - Over-the-counter pain relievers
Professional Treatment - Custom nightguards to prevent grinding - Physical therapy exercises - Bite adjustments - Muscle relaxants - Trigger point injections
When to Seek Help
- Pain persists more than a few weeks
- You can't fully open or close your jaw
- Eating or speaking becomes difficult
Our Approach
At Smiles of Moorpark, we take a conservative approach to TMJ treatment, starting with the least invasive options. Most patients find relief without surgery.
Related Topics
TMJ
jaw pain
TMD