How to Relieve Jaw Pain

Do your jaw muscles ache whenever you eat or speak? You’re not alone. Jaw pain affects Australians across the country and can make everyday activities we take for granted like enjoying a meal or having a conversation challenging. The discomfort can vary and can be as simple as having a mild, nagging ache, but on the other end of the spectrum it can cause debilitating pain that spreads across your face and neck.

What is jaw pain?

Jaw pain refers to any ache, stiffness or discomfort in your jawbone or around your ears. It might affect one side of your jaw or both sides, depending on the cause. For some people, the pain only occurs during certain activities such as chewing or talking, while others feel it even when they aren’t necessarily actively using their jaw.

Common causes of jaw pain

The most common culprit behind jaw pain is what is referred to as temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). However, your jaw discomfort might stem from several other sources. Dental problems such as abscessed teeth, gum disease, and teeth that are misaligned often result in jaw pain. Your jaw might also hurt due to arthritis, injuries from accidents, or infections like sinusitis that create pressure in surrounding areas.

Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorders

Your temporomandibular joint is the hinge that connects your lower jaw (mandible) to your skull. Women are twice as likely to develop TMJ disorders compared to men.

When this joint isn’t working properly, you might notice:

• Tenderness around the joint area
• Pain spreading across your face
• Difficulty moving your jaw normally

These disorders generally develop after a jaw injury, during periods of ongoing stress, or from inflammation in the joint. A telltale sign is if you hear clicking or popping sounds when you open your mouth.

Bruxism (teeth grinding)

Bruxism happens when you clench, grind or gnash your teeth involuntarily. This habit affects up to one-third of adults during the day and more than 10% of individuals while sleeping. The constant pressure from grinding puts enormous strain on your jaw, potentially causing joint misalignment and damage. People experiencing bruxism often suffer from headaches, face pain, earaches, and their tooth enamel wears down noticeably over time.

Other causes

While TMJ disorders and teeth grinding are common culprits, your jaw pain might also result from cluster headaches, sinus infections, dental abscesses, or a nerve condition called trigeminal neuralgia. Certain illnesses like mumps or tetanus (sometimes called lockjaw) may also cause jaw pain through inflammation or muscle spasms.

Recognising Symptoms

Diagnosing jaw problems early can save you weeks of discomfort and help you get relief sooner through proper exercises and treatments. Jaw disorders can be identified in various ways, making it important to know what to look for before the issue worsens.

Typical signs of jaw-related issues

Pain stands out as the most frequent complaint among people with jaw problems. This pain usually appears in the jaw joint or the muscles you use for chewing, and often gets worse when you eat, yawn or talk for long periods of time. What many people don’t realise is that jaw pain isn’t always restricted to one spot. It can affect your face, neck, or even cause headaches, particularly around your temples.

You might notice these physical signs:

• Trouble opening your mouth fully
• Clicking, popping, or grinding noises when you open or close your mouth
• Jaw “locking” that makes it difficult to open or close your mouth
• Biting into food feels off or uneven
• Grinding or clenching your teeth

The unexpected thing about TMJ disorders is they often cause other symptoms you wouldn’t naturally expect, like earaches, ringing in your ears, dizziness, and vertigo. Women face these problems at least four times more often than men, with most cases appearing between the ages of 20-40.

When to seek professional help

While gentle jaw exercises might ease mild symptoms, certain warning signs mean it’s time to seek professional help. Book an appointment if:

• Your symptoms last longer than six weeks
• Home treatments and jaw stretches aren’t making things any better
• The pain restricts your ability to carry out normal activities
• Your jaw movement or teeth alignment suddenly changes
• You notice facial swelling, unexplained fever, or weight loss
• You struggle to eat or drink properly

If you’re over 50 and experiencing your first one-sided headache with jaw pain while chewing, don’t wait—seek urgent care as this might indicate temporal arteritis. Additionally, numbness, changes in vision, or severe persistent pain could point to serious conditions that require immediate medical attention.

Professional Treatments for Jaw Pain

Sometimes jaw pain persists despite your best efforts with home remedies. When this happens, professional treatment becomes a crucial next step. Dental and orthodontic specialists offer targeted interventions that address the underlying causes of your discomfort.

Dental interventions

Dentists can play a key role in diagnosing and treating jaw pain, particularly for TMJ disorders. For moderate symptoms, dental professionals typically start with conservative approaches before suggesting more invasive procedures. These might include prescription medications or muscle relaxants to help ease your discomfort.

When these initial treatments don’t provide relief, dentists might recommend surgical options:

• Arthrocentesis: A procedure where a dentist uses a thin needle to draw out fluid from your jaw joint, helping to reduce inflammation and ease symptoms
• TMJ arthroscopy: A minimally invasive “keyhole surgery” allowing surgeons to reshape bone or remove troublesome scar tissue
• Open-joint surgery: This more extensive option is generally reserved only for severe cases when other treatments haven’t been successful

Custom-fitted night guards

Night guards (also known as oral splints or mouth guards) are protective devices you wear over your teeth to prevent grinding and clenching. Though researchers aren’t entirely sure why these devices work, they’re commonly recommended as a first option for jaw pain.

Custom night guards made by a dentist offer clear advantages over off-the-shelf options. These professionally crafted devices are moulded to fit the exact shape of your teeth, providing improved comfort and protection. A proper fit ensures these guards effectively reduce tooth wear from grinding, relieve jaw pain, and may even improve your sleep quality. The most significant benefit is how they redistribute pressure on your temporomandibular joint, often helping to relieve and reduce associated pain.

Orthodontic treatments

Orthodontic solutions can be remarkably effective for jaw pain, especially when teeth misalignment contributes to your discomfort. Braces work by gradually shifting your teeth into better positions, which helps correct bite issues and reduces strain on your jaw joint. As your teeth improve, your jaw joint naturally gravitates back towards proper alignment, often eliminating persistent pain.

For those concerned about the look of braces, clear aligners provide an alternative while offering similar benefits with a more discreet look. These removable devices correct misaligned teeth and jaw positions while reducing stress on your TMJ. In cases of severe jaw misalignment, your orthodontist might suggest orthognathic surgery to improve jaw function and provide long lasting relief.

Long-Term Management of Jaw Pain

Effective management of jaw pain goes beyond one-off professional treatments. Daily habits play a crucial role in preventing recurring discomfort and keeping your jaw healthy over time.

Developing healthy oral habits

Many people don’t realise they have developed habits that strain their jaw muscles such as biting their nails, chewing their cheeks, or resting their jaw in their hand. These seemingly harmless behaviours can actually worsen TMJ pain over time.

Simple jaw exercises can strengthen and stretch your jaw muscles, improving function and reducing discomfort. Daily jaw relaxation exercises can make a noticeable difference for many patients. When brushing and flossing, be mindful not to open your mouth too widely as this can strain your jaw. For those with TMJ who find flossing difficult, electric toothbrushes with smaller heads can be helpful. They are often easier to use without having to open your mouth excessively.

Regular dental check-ups

Routine dental visits are essential for maintaining jaw health. Most people should have check-ups every 6 to 12 months, though a dentist might suggest different timeframes based on your specific oral health needs. No one should go longer than 2 years between check-ups.

During these appointments, a dentist checks not just your teeth and gums, but also looks for signs that might affect your jaw function. They’ll screen for oral cancer and assess habits like teeth grinding that might be contributing to your discomfort.

Stress management techniques

Stress often contributes to tension in your jaw muscles. This makes stress management particularly important if you suffer from TMJ issues. Meditation techniques are especially helpful for relaxing tight jaw muscles. Many patients also find relief through activities like yoga and Pilates, which can calm the mind and relax facial muscles.

Try these effective approaches to reduce stress-related jaw tension:

• Deep breathing exercises to ease pressure in jaw muscles
• Mindfulness practices to alleviate the stress-pain cycle
• Regular physical activity to reduce built-up tension
• Listening to soothing music to help your body and mind unwind

Learning to recognise your personal stress triggers and developing healthy responses can significantly reduce jaw pain linked to stress. Patients who make stress management part of their daily routine have managed to see remarkable improvements in their symptoms.

A Holistic Approach is Key 

Dealing with jaw pain isn’t easy, but understanding what’s happening and knowing your options makes all the difference. The most successful approach combines professional dental care with consistent daily habits to manage discomfort.

Recognising the early warning signs of jaw problems can help you address issues before they get worse. Those small clicks or occasional aches might not seem significant, but they often signal the beginning of larger problems. Being proactive can prevent painful complications down the road.

It’s worth bearing in mind that jaw discomfort rarely exists in isolation. It typically suggests that there are underlying issues that need to be addressed. Regular dental check-ups, home care routines, and stress management techniques all contribute to long-term relief. Most importantly, trust what your body is telling you. If home remedies aren’t working, it’s time to seek professional help. Your jaw health significantly impacts everything from eating and speaking to your overall comfort and wellbeing.

Contact Camira Dental for Lasting Relief

Is jaw pain affecting your daily life? Now that you understand what might be causing your discomfort, taking the next step can make all the difference. Don’t let jaw pain become your new normal when effective help is available.

Contact us to book an appointment, and take the first step towards lasting relief.