Jaw Pain — Clicking, Morning Ache, or a Locked Jaw
We assess jaw pain and TMD. We do not call that a TMJ specialty.
What is happening?
Jaw pain can come from clenching, a disc inside the joint that has slipped, arthritis of the TMJ, a bite that is off, trauma, or hours of gum chewing. Dentists assess the joint and the muscles. A certified specialist is a referral when the case needs one.
Schedule a visit
Common symptoms
- Clicking or popping when you open
- A jaw that aches in the morning
- Ear pain without an ear infection
- Headaches at the temples
- Limited opening
- Tired jaw muscles when you chew
Is it urgent?
A jaw locked open or closed — same day. Clicking and morning soreness without locking — a routine TMD assessment. Swelling in front of the ear after a blow — same day, and ER if the bite cannot close at all after trauma.
What helps while you wait
Soft food for a few days
Skip chewing gum. Cut food smaller so you are not proving the jaw still hurts.
Support a yawn
A hand under the chin during a wide yawn reduces the chance of a lock.
Moist heat, and a note
Moist heat on the joint. Write down when it hurts most — morning, after a long meeting, after gum. A locked jaw is the exception: call the same day instead of waiting on heat.
Common causes
Clenching and grinding, often stress-driven · Disc displacement inside the joint · Arthritis of the TMJ · Bite misalignment · Trauma · Prolonged gum chewing
How we diagnose it
We listen to the click, measure how wide you open, and feel the muscles. We look at the bite and ask about clenching. Imaging of the joint is not the first step for ordinary clicking. A locked jaw or a history of trauma is examined the day it happens.
How we treat it
Conservative first
Most clicking and morning ache is managed with habit changes, a night guard when grinding is part of it, and short-term soft diet — not with surgery.
Referral when it is beyond us
Limited opening that does not improve, or a joint problem outside dental scope, is referred. We do not use the title TMJ specialist.
Related pages
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Still have a question? Our team is happy to help over the phone.
(416) 483-0000My jaw clicks. Do I need an MRI?
Usually no. Clicking with a full opening is assessed in the chair. We image when the exam says we cannot answer the question without it.
I cannot close my mouth after a yawn.
That is a same-day call. Support the jaw, do not force it, and come in during admission hours.
Are you TMJ specialists?
No. The dentists here assess TMD and refer when a certified specialist or a physician should take over. Registration details are in the footer.
Read this as education
These are common patterns, not a diagnosis of your tooth. Your dentist determines the cause during an examination.