Jaw Pain or Clicking? When to See a Dentist for TMJ in New Haven, CT

If your jaw aches when you chew, clicks when you open wide, or feels sore and tired by the end of the day, you may be dealing with a TMJ problem. Jaw pain is common, and for many people it eases with simple care at home. Some signs mean it's time to have a dentist take a closer look. This guide walks through what TMJ is, the signs to watch for, what helps at home, and when to call our team in New Haven, CT.

What is TMJ, and what does TMD mean?

TMJ is short for the temporomandibular joint, the joint that connects your jawbone to your skull. You have one on each side of your face, just in front of your ears, and each one works like a sliding hinge every time you talk, chew or yawn.

TMD stands for temporomandibular disorders, the name for problems that cause pain and trouble moving the jaw joint and the muscles that control it. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research explains TMD in more detail. Most people use TMJ for both the joint and the problem, and either word gets you to the right conversation with us.

What are the signs of a TMJ problem?

The most common signs are pain or tenderness in your jaw, aching pain in and around your ear, and pain or difficulty when you chew. You might notice:

• Pain or tenderness in one or both jaw joints
• Aching pain across your face or near your ear
• Pain or difficulty while chewing
• A jaw that locks, making it hard to open or close your mouth

Some jaws click or make a grating sound when you open your mouth or chew. According to the Mayo Clinic's overview of TMJ disorders, if the clicking comes with no pain and your jaw moves freely, you probably don't need treatment for it. Mention it at your next checkup so your dentist knows about it.

What causes TMJ pain?

TMJ pain can come from the joint itself, from the muscles that move your jaw, or from both. Arthritis that affects the joint, an injury to the jaw, and long-term grinding or clenching of the teeth can all raise your chances of having TMJ problems.

In many cases, the exact cause isn't clear. That's one reason a careful conversation about your symptoms and habits is such a helpful first step.

What can I do at home for jaw pain?

For many people, TMJ pain is temporary and gets better with self-care or nonsurgical treatment. Giving your jaw a rest is the place to start:

• Choose softer foods for a while and cut food into small pieces
• Skip chewing gum and sticky or chewy foods
• Avoid wide yawns and other big jaw movements when you can
• Try a warm or cold compress on the sore side

The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research recommends starting with the gentlest, most conservative care first, because those steps are reversible. If your jaw keeps hurting after you've given it a rest, it's time to call us.

When should I see a dentist about jaw pain?

See a dentist if the pain or tenderness in your jaw won't go away or keeps coming back, or if you can't open or close your mouth all the way. Book a visit, too, if jaw pain makes it hard to eat comfortably.

Before you come in, jot down when the pain shows up, what makes it better or worse, and whether your jaw clicks or locks. Those notes help us understand what you're feeling from the very first conversation.

How does our New Haven dental team help with TMJ and jaw pain?

Your visit starts with listening. You tell us what's been bothering you, and we take the time to understand your story before we ever talk about treatment.

A TMJ exam usually includes questions about your symptoms, a look at how your jaw moves as you open and close, listening and feeling for clicks, and gentle pressure around the jaw to find the sore spots. Depending on what the exam shows, the Mayo Clinic notes that options can range from self-care to an oral splint or mouth guard and other therapies that ease strain on the joint.

TMJ dysfunction and jaw pain care is part of what we do at Center for Esthetic Dentistry, along with restorative dentistry and full-mouth rehabilitation. Dr. Summer Lerch has spent more than four decades in dentistry. She trained early in complex smile rehabilitation and brings a doctor's science, an engineer's precision and an artist's eye to every case. She leads our practice alongside associate dentist Dr. Frank Amaefuna.

You'll always have time to ask every question, and you're a partner in every decision about your care. Learn more about our TMJ and jaw pain care in New Haven. Our office is at 375 Orange St, two blocks from the New Haven Green, with free patient parking right behind the building.

If your jaw has been aching, clicking or catching, we'd love to help you figure out what's going on. Call our New Haven dental office at (203) 624-5256 or reach out through our contact page to book a visit.

Published by Center for Esthetic Dentistry (Dr. Summer Lerch).