A click or pop when you yawn or bite into an apple can be startling. Most of the time, a jaw that makes noise without hurting is nothing to worry about.
When the sound comes with pain, stiffness or a jaw that sticks, it may be time for TMD treatment. Our dentists in Holland, MI can check your jaw and help you find relief.
Here's what you need to know about a clicking jaw and when it points to TMD.
A Painless Click Is Usually Normal
Your temporomandibular joints, or TMJs, sit just in front of each ear. They hinge and slide every time you talk, chew or yawn.
According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, is common and doesn't need treatment. Pain is the sign that changes the picture.
What TMD Means
TMD stands for temporomandibular disorders. It's a group of more than 30 conditions that affect the jaw joint and the muscles that move it.
NIDCR estimates TMD affects about 5% of U.S. adults. It's about twice as common in women as in men.
Signs That Point to TMD
Watch for these symptoms along with the clicking:
- Pain in the jaw joint or chewing muscles
- Pain that spreads to the face or neck
- A stiff jaw, or one that locks open or closed
- Clicking, popping or grating that hurts
- Headaches, earaches or ringing in the ears
- A change in how your upper and lower teeth fit together
Several of these can also come from other problems, like a cracked tooth. That's one reason a dental exam matters, and it's why TMD made our list of common dental health problems.
What Causes It?
An injury to the jaw can lead to TMD, but in many cases the exact cause isn't clear. Cleveland Clinic lists and stress-related tension among the common triggers.
Grinding often happens at night, so many people don't know they do it. Waking up with a sore jaw is a common clue.
Simple Steps That Often Help
Many jaw problems are short-lived and improve with simple care. NIDCR suggests trying gentle steps first:
- Eat softer foods for a while
- Use heat or cold on the sore side
- Skip gum chewing, nail biting and clenching
- Take an over-the-counter pain reliever if your doctor says it's safe
These are the same kinds of home comfort steps we share for easing a toothache. They're a starting point, not a replacement for an exam.
How Our Dentists Approach TMD Treatment
We start by talking through your medical history and examining your jaw and neck. In some cases, we may take an X-ray to rule out other issues.
From there, we build a plan around your symptoms. For patients who clench or grind, that may include a custom night guard, and here's how night guards work to protect your teeth.
TMD care is one of our additional dental services. Our goal is to ease pain, reduce stiffness and help your jaw move normally again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will TMD go away on its own?
Often, yes. Many cases of TMD last only a short time and fade without treatment, especially with soft foods and less clenching.
NIDCR notes that some cases can become long-lasting, though. If jaw pain sticks around for more than a couple of weeks or keeps coming back, it's worth having our dentists take a look.
Can a night guard help with TMD?
A night guard can help some patients, especially people who clench or grind their teeth while they sleep. It cushions the teeth and may help break the clenching habit.
NIDCR says these appliances shouldn't change your bite, and the evidence on TMD pain is mixed. That's why our dentists fit custom night guards only when they make sense for your symptoms.
Did braces or a bad bite cause my TMD?
Probably not. Many people worry that past orthodontic work or an uneven bite caused their jaw pain, but the research doesn't back that up.
The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research says studies don't support the idea that braces or a bad bite cause TMD. Injury, stress and genetics appear to play bigger roles.
Can stress make jaw pain worse?
Yes, stress is one of the main factors behind TMD, and many patients notice more jaw discomfort during stressful stretches. Tension often shows up as daytime clenching or nighttime grinding.
Relaxation habits, like slow breathing or meditation, can help ease that tension. Our dentists can also look for signs of grinding on your teeth during your visit.
What happens at a TMD exam with Lakeshore Dentistry?
Your visit starts with a conversation about your symptoms and medical history. Then our dentists examine your jaw and neck, checking for tenderness, clicking and how far you can open.
In some cases, we may recommend an X-ray to rule out other issues. Once we know what's going on, we'll recommend a TMD treatment plan based on your needs.
Get Relief From a Sore, Clicking Jaw
A painless click is usually harmless, but pain, stiffness or locking deserves a closer look. Our Holland, MI dentists can help you sort out the cause and find the right TMD treatment.
Call Lakeshore Dentistry & Implant Center today at (616) 399-3946 or request an appointment online.
