Clenching, Grinding, and Jaw Pain

Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) is the joint of the jaw. There are two TMJs, one on each side of the jaw, and they work in unison to open and close our mouths and allow us to chew and speak. A TMJ disorder (or TMD) is a chronic degenerative condition that can take years to develop and have serious consequences to your health and quality of life. When your jaw is misaligned, it can cause headaches, neck, and/or shoulder pain, clicking and/or popping sounds in the jaw, locked jaw, jaw pain, teeth grinding, and tinnitus (ringing in the ears).

Teeth grinding, also called bruxism, happens when a person clenches or grinds their teeth, often during sleep. Occasional grinding may not cause harm, but frequent grinding can wear down enamel, fracture teeth, and strain the jaw. Common causes include stress, anxiety, abnormal bite alignment, missing teeth, or crooked teeth. Sleep disorders such as sleep apnea can also contribute. Because grinding usually occurs unconsciously, symptoms like headaches, jaw soreness, or tooth sensitivity are often the first warning signs. Without treatment, bruxism can lead to tooth damage and the need for restorative dental work such as crowns, implants, or dentures. A custom night guard can protect the teeth and help prevent further damage.

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects the jaw to the skull and allows smooth movement for speaking and chewing. When the joint becomes injured or inflamed, it can cause clicking, popping, or even locking of the jaw. This condition, known as temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), may result from trauma, inflammation, or repetitive strain. Mild cases can often be improved through lifestyle changes such as avoiding gum chewing, eating softer foods, reducing stress, and using a night guard to prevent grinding. More severe cases might require dental treatment, and in rare instances, surgical intervention may be needed if other methods do not provide relief.