Waking up with a sore jaw. Getting tension headaches that seem to come from nowhere. Hearing a clicking or popping sound when you chew or yawn. These symptoms are more common than you might think — and they’re often linked to one unexpected source: your bite.
Problems with the alignment of your jaw and teeth — known as bite or occlusal issues — can cause a surprising range of symptoms. Unfortunately, they’re often misdiagnosed or overlooked, meaning people live with discomfort for years without realising help is available.
Here’s what you need to know about jaw-related pain, what causes it, and how your dentist may be the best place to start if you’re looking for answers.
Could it be your TMJ?
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the hinge that connects your lower jaw to your skull. It allows you to open and close your mouth, speak, chew, and yawn. When something affects the way this joint functions — whether through misalignment, clenching, grinding, or injury — it can result in a condition known as temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD or TMJD).
Symptoms may include:
- Jaw pain or tightness, especially in the mornings
- Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds in the jaw
- Limited or painful opening and closing of the mouth
- Headaches or migraines
- Earaches or a feeling of pressure in the ears
- Neck, shoulder, or facial tension
- Teeth that feel uneven or don’t meet properly when biting
These symptoms can come and go, or gradually worsen over time. They often feel disconnected from dental issues — which is why many people don’t think to mention them during a dental visit.
What causes bite-related problems?
There are several possible causes of TMD and bite dysfunction, including:
- Grinding or clenching (bruxism): Often unconscious, especially during sleep, this can strain the jaw muscles and wear down teeth.
- Malocclusion (bad bite): When teeth don’t align properly, the jaw has to compensate, leading to muscle fatigue and joint stress.
- Previous trauma: Accidents or injuries to the jaw, neck, or face can affect alignment or mobility.
- Arthritis or inflammation: These can directly affect the joint itself, limiting movement and causing pain.
- Stress: Emotional stress can manifest physically, often through clenching or tensing of the jaw muscles.
Not everyone with a bite issue will experience pain — but when symptoms are present, the impact on quality of life can be significant.
How your dentist can help
Dentists are trained to assess the alignment of your bite and the function of your jaw joint. During an examination, we may:
- Observe the way your teeth meet when you close your mouth
- Check for wear patterns that suggest grinding or clenching
- Palpate the jaw joint and surrounding muscles to check for tenderness
- Listen for clicking or popping sounds when you open and close your mouth
- Take X-rays if necessary to evaluate the joint or supporting structures
From there, we can recommend a personalised treatment approach based on your symptoms, lifestyle, and goals.
Common treatment options
Treatment for TMD and bite-related discomfort may involve one or more of the following approaches:
- Splint therapy or night guards
Custom-fitted oral appliances can reduce clenching, protect the teeth, and relieve pressure on the jaw joint. They’re often worn at night but can be used during the day in some cases. - Bite adjustments
In cases where teeth are interfering with proper jaw movement, selective reshaping or minor orthodontic adjustments can help correct the imbalance. - Botox for jaw pain
For some patients, small doses of botulinum toxin (Botox) can be used to relax overactive jaw muscles and reduce pain from clenching. - Physiotherapy or jaw exercises
These can help improve mobility, reduce tension, and retrain the muscles supporting the jaw. - Stress management
Because stress often contributes to clenching and grinding, addressing it through relaxation techniques or counselling can support long-term relief.
When to seek help
If you’ve been living with jaw pain, tension headaches, clicking, or a feeling that your bite “just isn’t right,” it’s worth investigating further. Even if your symptoms seem minor or only occasional, they may be early signs of a developing issue that’s easier to manage when caught early.
The good news is that most cases of TMD can be managed conservatively, without surgery. Early intervention can also help prevent further damage to your teeth, jaw, and surrounding muscles.
We’re here to help you feel more comfortable
Jaw pain isn’t something you have to live with — and you shouldn’t have to guess at what’s causing it. If you’ve noticed new symptoms or have been dealing with persistent discomfort, we’re here to listen, assess, and guide you toward relief.
Visit us for a consultation and let’s take the first step toward a more comfortable, balanced bite.