Jaw Pain, Clicking or Headaches? Signs You May Have TMJ Disorder
09.03.2026
Pain in your jaw, clicking and unexplained headaches can all point to issues with your jaw, which is often known as TMJ disorder. To help you navigate this condition, we’re explaining the symptoms, side effects and potential treatment options for this very common condition.
If you’re experiencing pain as a result of your jaw joint, or if you’re wondering if your headaches and earaches could be linked to this condition, read on to learn more about how your dentist can help you.
What is TMJ disorder?
Your jaw, also known as the temporomandibular joint, is essential for chewing, speaking and swallowing. It is a hinge joint that can also slide, allowing you to chew food effectively. When there are issues with this joint, it can cause pain and discomfort, making it difficult to enjoy everyday activities.
Clenching the jaw at night or when stressed can also lead to issues, and this subconscious action is often very difficult to stop without professional treatment.
Issues with the jaw can arise when there are structural problems, such as a misalignment. The jaw joint is also susceptible to arthritis, injury or stress-related bruxism.
What are the symptoms of TMJ disorder?
Symptoms might seem unrelated, but your dentist can often help to put two and two together. Common symptoms of TMJ disorder include:
- Pain in the jaw
- Aching teeth
- Clicking when you open your mouth, chew, or yawn
- Difficulty opening your mouth
- Tenderness around the jaw joint
- Headaches or earache
It can often be difficult to identify problems with the jaw as these symptoms can often feel unrelated. It’s often your dentist that will notice that there are issues with the alignment of your jaw during a routine examination.
Your dentist might need to take X-rays of your jaw to be able to see how your upper and lower arches fit together. There might also be evidence of your TMJ disorder visible on your teeth, as the biting surface may suffer damage as a result of teeth grinding.
What is the treatment for TMJ disorder?
Treatment will all depend on the cause of your disorder. For jaw problems that are caused by alignment issues, your dentist might recommend orthodontics, or braces. This treatment helps to change the alignment of the upper and lower jaw, and how they fit together. It can therefore be helpful for tackling jaw pain and clicking caused by the top and bottom jaw not fitting together effectively.
If the jaw problems are caused by bruxism, or teeth grinding, then you might need to wear a special splint at night. This can help to change the alignment of your jaw and provide protection for your teeth so they aren’t rubbing together. This is a short-term solution that will protect your teeth while you work to understand the cause of your TMJ disorder.
Another option to help relax the jaw would be to use Botox injections to help relax the muscles. This prevents you from clenching your jaw so you can enjoy relief from your symptoms. This is a temporary fix and the Botox will wear off eventually.
Next steps for TMJ disorder treatment
If you suspect you might have an issue with your jaw, the first step is to arrange a checkup with your dentist. Explain any recent symptoms you have been experiencing and your dentist will be able to confirm if you have TMJ disorder or another issue.
If your TMJ disorder is not causing any pain or damage to your teeth, you may not even need any treatment, as jaw clicking may be your only symptom.