Jaw Pain, Headaches, and TMD: When to See a Dentist

“Every morning, my jaw feels sore”

Angela thought it was just stress. Her jaw ached every morning, and she often had headaches by lunchtime. She tried over-the-counter pain relievers, but nothing lasted. When she mentioned it at a dental exam, she was surprised to learn that her symptoms were classic signs of a jaw joint problem called TMD. Like Angela, many adults don’t realize that dentists are uniquely qualified to diagnose and treat jaw disorders. If you’re dealing with daily discomfort, here’s what you should know.

What Is TMD?

TMD stands for temporomandibular disorder, a condition affecting the jaw joint (TMJ) and the muscles that control jaw movement. These joints are some of the most complex in your body, working every time you chew, speak, or yawn. When something throws them off balance—stress, teeth grinding, injury, or bite issues—you may notice pain and dysfunction.

Common Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore

TMD can look different from person to person. Some patients only notice occasional jaw popping, while others live with daily headaches. Here are signs it’s time to get checked:

• Jaw pain or soreness, especially in the morning
  
• Frequent headaches or migraines
  
• Clicking, popping, or grinding noises when opening your mouth
  
• Limited ability to open or move your jaw
  
• Facial pain or tension around the temples
  
• Ear symptoms (fullness, ringing, or pain not related to infection)
  
• Worn, chipped, or sensitive teeth from clenching and grinding
  

If these symptoms sound familiar, you’re not imagining things. The jaw joint is sensitive, and small imbalances can cause big ripple effects.

Why See a Dentist for Jaw Pain?

Dentists spend years studying how teeth, muscles, and joints work together. That’s why they’re often the first to spot TMD. Unlike a general doctor, your dentist can evaluate:

• Bite alignment – how upper and lower teeth meet
  
• Tooth wear patterns – signs of grinding or clenching
  
• Muscle tension – soreness in the jaw, temples, or cheeks
  
• Joint function – range of motion and clicking/popping
  
  

By understanding both structure and function, your dentist can pinpoint the root cause of your discomfort and create a personalized treatment plan.

What Causes TMD?

Several factors can contribute, and often it’s a combination. Daily stress and clenching can overload the jaw muscles, while bruxism (teeth grinding) often happens at night without you even realizing it. Bite problems such as misaligned or missing teeth can strain the joints, and trauma to the jaw or face can destabilize them further. Like other joints in the body, the TMJ can also develop arthritis. Understanding what’s driving your TMD is the first step toward relief.

Treatment Options That Work

The good news: most people don’t need surgery. At 50 Commerce Dental Center, we usually start with conservative, comfortable treatments:

• Custom night guards: Protect teeth and reduce strain from grinding.
  
• Bite adjustments: Reshaping or restoring teeth with crowns and bridges if bite issues are present.
  
• Botox therapy: Small, precise doses can relax overworked jaw muscles and ease pain. Learn more about our Botox treatments.
  
• Physical therapy referrals: Stretches and exercises for muscle balance.
  
• Lifestyle guidance: Stress reduction, posture tips, and eating softer foods during flare-ups.

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