|
Quick Answer: Clicking or pain on one side of your jaw often points to your temporomandibular joint (TMJ). That’s the hinge just in front of each ear. Common triggers include teeth grinding, clenching, stress and an uneven bite. A painless click is usually harmless. If pain lasts more than a week or two, your jaw locks or eating becomes uncomfortable, see your dentist. |
You bite into a crusty sandwich and hear a click. Or you wake up with a dull ache just in front of your ear. Does this sound familiar?
It’s common to have jaw pain on one side or jaw clicking when eating. In fact, Healthdirect Australia notes that nearly half of people experience jaw dysfunction at some stage during life. Many of these come from your jaw joint, known as the TMJ.
Not every click is a worry. But a sore jaw that keeps coming back deserves attention.
This guide covers the signs to watch for, common causes, simple home care and when to see your dentist.
What Is the TMJ, and What Is TMD?
Your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your lower jaw to your skull. It sits just in front of each ear. It helps you chew, speak and yawn.
You have two of these joints, one on each side. That’s why pain often shows up on just one side of your face.
People often mix up the two terms. TMJ is the joint itself. TMD, or temporomandibular disorder, is the condition affecting the joint and the muscles around it. Most people simply say “TMJ” for both.
Your jaw relies on a small disc, muscles and ligaments working together. When one part falls out of balance, symptoms start to appear.
Seven Signs Your Jaw Pain Could Be Linked to TMJ
These are the most common TMJ symptoms. You might notice one or several.
1. Clicking, Popping or Grating When You Chew
That click can happen when the small disc in your joint rubs on the bone as you open and close.
A painless click on its own is usually nothing to worry about. But jaw popping that comes with pain is worth getting checked.
2. Pain That Sits on One Side of the Jaw
Do you always chew on the same side? Do you sleep on the same side every night? Small habits like these can overload one joint.
An uneven bite can do the same. Over time, one side may work harder than the other, and that’s where the ache settles.
3. Aching Near the Ear
Your TMJ sits right beside your ear canal, so jaw pain can feel like an earache. That can happen even when there’s no ear infection.
Some people also notice ringing in their ears.
4. Difficulty Opening Your Mouth Wide
Does yawning feel stiff? Do you struggle to take a big bite of a burger?
Some people feel a “catch” partway through opening. Others notice jaw pain when chewing tougher foods. Both can mean the joint isn’t gliding smoothly.
5. Jaw Locking Open or Closed
This sign is less common, but don’t ignore it. Your jaw may get stuck for a few seconds or longer.
If your jaw locks, see an emergency dentist in Essendon as soon as you can.
6. Headaches, Neck or Facial Tension
Tight jaw muscles can pull on nearby areas. You might wake up with a tension headache around your temples.
Some people also feel neck stiffness or a heavy, tired feeling across their face.
7. Worn Teeth or a Bite That Feels Off
Flattened or chipped teeth often point to teeth grinding, also called bruxism. It’s one of the biggest TMJ triggers.
Grinding also wears down enamel, which can leave your teeth sensitive to hot and cold. Does your bite suddenly feel different when your teeth meet? Get that checked too.
Common Causes and Triggers of TMJ Problems
A TMJ disorder rarely has just one cause. Common triggers include:
- Grinding or clenching, often during sleep and often without you knowing
- Stress and anxiety, which can lead to clenching during the day
- Chewing habits, such as gum or biting your nails
- An uneven bite
- Fillings that don’t sit quite right with your bite
- An injury or knock to your jaw or face
- Arthritis affecting the joint
- Ear infections
Sometimes there’s no obvious cause at all.
Grinding is more common than you might think. About half of all people grind their teeth from time to time, and many don’t realise they do it.
There’s good news. TMJ problems often settle over time, and a few small changes can help.
When Jaw Pain on One Side Might Not Be TMJ
Not all pain on one side of your jaw comes from the joint. Problems with your teeth and gums can feel very similar, including:
- Tooth decay or an abscess, especially in your back teeth
- Wisdom teeth that are impacted or still coming through
- A gum infection, which often starts with bleeding gums
- Sinus pressure affecting your upper jaw
- A cracked tooth that hurts when you bite
That’s why a proper dental check matters. FirstBite Dental’s dentists rule out other possible causes before starting any TMD treatment. They also refer you to your GP when a problem looks medical rather than dental.
Important: If jaw pain comes with chest pain, shortness of breath or pain spreading down your left arm, call 000 straight away.
Simple Things You Can Try at Home
For mild symptoms, these steps can ease the strain on your jaw:
- Choose softer foods and cut your food into small pieces
- Skip chewing gum, nails and very hard foods like nuts
- Use a warm pack on tight muscles
- Keep your lips together and your teeth slightly apart
- Avoid wide yawns and resting your chin on your hand
- Ask your dentist which jaw exercises suit you
- Ask your pharmacist or GP about pain relief
These tips may bring relief for a while. But they won’t fix the underlying cause if grinding or your bite is involved.
When Should You See a Dentist?
It’s time to see a dentist for jaw pain if you notice:
- Pain lasting more than a week or two
- Clicking that has started to hurt
- Your jaw locking or not opening fully
- Pain that affects your eating, sleep or work
- Noticeable tooth wear or sensitivity
Double vision, blurred vision or severe headaches that keep coming back need urgent medical attention.
Why wait? Early assessment usually means simpler, more comfortable treatment.
How Your Dentist Can Help With TMJ Treatment
Your appointment starts with a chat about your symptoms. Your dentist checks how your jaw moves, feels the joint and looks at your bite.
The FirstBite Dental team, led by Dr Agim Hymer, has extensive experience managing TMJ disorders. TMJ treatment usually starts with the simplest causes first:
- Treating any infection, decay or gum problems
- A custom night guard, also called an occlusal splint, made from a mould of your teeth. You wear it mainly at night to keep your teeth apart so your facial muscles can relax.
- A soft diet and heat packs for symptom relief
- Jaw exercises from your dentist to relax tight muscles
- Myotherapy and stress management support
- Surgery only as a last option, once everything else has been tried
Some patients with ongoing muscle pain may be suited to facial injectables.
FirstBite Dental follows a step by step approach to TMD treatment so you always know what comes next.
Sometimes the problem is your bite. Crooked or crowded teeth can wear unevenly and may cause jaw problems later on. In these cases, orthodontic treatment to correct your bite may help.
FirstBite Dental is a Certified Invisalign Provider. Invisalign clear aligners can treat mild to moderate bite issues.
Cost worry? Flexible payment plans are available.
Is it normal for my jaw to click with no pain?
Often, yes. A painless click is common and usually harmless. If it starts to hurt, or your jaw catches or locks, book a check up.
Can TMJ go away on its own?
Mild symptoms often settle with rest, soft foods and less clenching. If pain lasts more than a couple of weeks or keeps coming back, have it assessed.
Can stress really cause jaw pain?
Yes. Stress often leads to clenching or grinding during the day or while you sleep. Over time, this tyres your jaw muscles and strains the joint.
Will a night guard stop my jaw clicking?
Not always. A night guard mainly protects your teeth and helps your jaw muscles relax. It often eases symptoms without stopping the grinding altogether. Your dentist will match your treatment to the cause.
Should I see a dentist or a GP first?
A dentist is a good first stop if jaw pain comes with clicking, grinding or a bite that feels off. They check your teeth, gums and bite, and refer you to your GP if the cause looks medical.
Can TMJ cause ear pain and headaches?
Yes. Your jaw joint sits right beside your ear, so TMJ problems can cause earache, ringing ears and tension headaches. Your dentist can help work out whether your jaw is the cause.
Are facial injectables used for jaw pain?
Some dentists in Australia may provide facial injectables when the treatment falls within their training, competence and scope of practice. The use of botulinum toxin for TMJ/TMD may be considered off-label, so your dentist should explain whether it is appropriate for your situation.
Give Your Jaw the Care It Needs
Jaw clicking and jaw pain on one side are common. They’re often linked to the TMJ, and they’re usually very manageable once you know the cause.
You don’t have to put up with ongoing discomfort. The friendly team at FirstBite Dental in Essendon can find out what’s behind your symptoms and help you get relief.
If your jaw has been bothering you, book an appointment online or call 03 9379 1893.
