Jaw pain can cause considerable discomfort, and often affects the ears, teeth, neck and facial muscles.

If you suffer from a tight or stiff jaw, you may also notice clicking and locking, as well as a reduced range of motion in your mouth and jaw. Here’s what could be causing the issue

1. Temporomandibular joint disorders

Temporomandibular joint disorders lead to pain in the jaw joint and surrounding muscles. The disorders can also cause the jaws to lock, as well as pain and tenderness in the ears, jaws and face. You may notice some discomfort when chewing, as well as a clicking or grinding sound.

2. Stress and anxiety

Stress is one of the most common causes of jaw pain. In fact, many people clench their jaw without realising it when they feel anxious, or while they’re asleep. The action of clenching can cause tightness in the jaw, as well as pain that often worsens during chewing and/or talking. Besides clenching, stress can also lead to tension headaches.

3. Teeth grinding

Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, can be caused by a number of factors, including stress, and orthodontic issues like misaligned jaws and teeth. Teeth grinding can occur inadvertently during sleep or during the day, and can cause a range of uncomfortable symptoms, including headaches, earaches and jaw pain, as well as pain in the face and neck.

4. Arthritis

Both rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis can cause pain in the jaw and surrounding tissues. Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory disorder that affects the muscles and joints throughout the body, including the jaw, while osteoarthritis can sometimes affect the temporomandibular joints.

Have you experienced jaw pain? At OMFS, we offer effective management of conditions relating to the temporomandibular joint. For more information on the treatments we provide, have a look here.

To arrange a consultation, please get in touch with us.