Jaw clicking is an uncomfortable experience that may be a significant cause for concern for many individuals. Often associated with issues of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), jaw clicking and pain can have several underlying causes. Let us dive into the reasons why your jaw may show these symptoms and how jaw clicking and pain may be managed.
What Causes Jaw Clicking and Pain?
Jaw clicking and pain may be related to:
- Disc displacement, when the soft disc cushioning your jaw moves out of position
- Bruxism, or subconscious teeth clenching which stressed the jaw muscles and temporomandibular joints
- High stress or anxiety, which is associated with jaw clenching
- Injuries to the head or jaw which may displace the joint and cause clicking
- Joint diseases such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis that affect the TMJ
- A misaligned bite
- Excessive gum chewing or nail biting that stresses the TMJ
Symptoms That May Accompany Jaw Clicking and Pain
Aside from jaw clicking and pain, common symptoms that may be experienced by individuals with TMJ disorders include:
- Pain around the temples that may radiate to the forehead, or at the back of the head
- Tight feeling around the face, especially on the cheeks, cheekbones, or temples
- Swelling over the TMJ
- Ear aches due to referred pain from the TMJs
- Temporary locking or restricted motion of the jaw
- Pain at the TMJs and muscles of mastication on biting, chewing and eating
- Uneven bite
- Discomfort when chewing
- Neck, shoulder, or upper back pain
- Bruxism (involuntary clenching and grinding, especially at night)
How Jaw Clicking and Pain Are Commonly Managed
Here are some ways these symptoms can be managed.
Get a Professional Evaluation
Seek professional evaluation from a dentist or an Oral and Maxillofacial specialist. They will thoroughly assess your symptoms, identify the underlying causes, and recommend an appropriate treatment plan to help ease the discomfort. A CT scan of your joints may be required to help with the assessment.
Get Teeth Alignment Correction
In some cases, misaligned teeth may cause your jaw to be locked in an unstable position and place a lot of strain on your TMJ. In this case, you may need a teeth alignment correction using braces or aligners to put the teeth in the correct and stable position.
Use a Custom Mouthguard
A customised mouthguard is an oral appliance designed that may help guide the jaw into a more balanced position. Unlike over-the-counter nightguards, they are moulded specially to your teeth to allow more balanced jaw movement. This may promote an even distribution of the bite force and reduce the clicking and jaw pain, providing comfort to the patient.
Adjust Your Habits
Dealing with jaw clicking and pain may require you to make slight adjustments to your daily habits. This includes consciously avoiding habits as chewing gum or biting your nails. These habits add strain to your TMJ and jaw muscles. You are also advised to avoid taking excessively large bites of food and switch to softer foods to help rest your jaw muscles and minimize strain.
FAQs About Jaw Clicking and Pain
How Long Does It Take for Jaw Clicking and Pain to Improve?
The time taken for jaw clicking and pain symptoms to improve depends on the root cause of your condition. For acute cases, usually due to temporary stress or dental work, symptoms may improve within a few days to a few weeks. For chronic TMJ disorders (TMD), it may take longer to see improvement, with noticeable relief from symptoms within a few weeks and recovery after a few months. For a more detailed timeline, your oral and maxillofacial surgeon can help assess your specific condition to recommend a suitable treatment plan.
When Should You See a Dentist or Healthcare Professional?
Schedule an appointment with a dentist or your oral and maxillofacial surgeon as soon as possible if you are experiencing severe symptoms. This includes a locked jaw, restricted jaw range of motion, or difficulty in chewing regular food. If you have milder symptoms that do not necessarily cause significant pain but still interfere with your daily activities, consider seeing a professional if your jaw clicking and pain persist for more than two weeks.
Can Jaw Clicking and Pain Be Prevented?
As jaw clicking and pain are often associated with TMJ problems, prevention often involves resting the TMJ and reducing excessive forces to the joint. Avoid chewing gum or biting ice cubes, as this may harm the TMJ with the high and repeated forces. Additionally, high stress may also worsen bruxism and jaw clicking. Try stress management techniques, such as yoga, meditation, and journaling. You can also occasionally massage your jaw muscles and perform stretching exercises to guide proper movement.
If you are experiencing jaw clicking and pain symptoms, getting an assessment may help ensure that your condition is well-managed. TES Clinic is an oral and maxillofacial specialist clinic in Singapore specialising in issues with the teeth, jaw bone, and facial skeleton. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how our team can assist you.