Clicking, Locking, and Pain: Is Your Jaw Trying to Tell You Something?

Does your jaw make a clicking noise when you chew? Does it feel tight, lock in place, or cause headaches? These symptoms may seem minor at first, but they could be signs of a more serious condition, temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), commonly referred to as TMJ. Knowing what these symptoms mean and when to seek care is essential for preventing further discomfort.

At McDowell Dental & Aesthetics, Dr. Ashley McDowell brings specialized training in neuromuscular dentistry to every patient consultation. A graduate of Temple University School of Dentistry and the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies (LVI), Dr. McDowell combines state-of-the-art tools and a comprehensive bite analysis to diagnose and treat dental problems, like TMJ.

What Causes Jaw Clicking and Locking?

While occasional jaw popping may be harmless, consistent or painful clicking could indicate dysfunction within the temporomandibular joint. This joint connects the jawbone to the skull, enabling functions such as talking, chewing, and yawning. When it becomes misaligned, symptoms often follow.

Common causes of TMJ dysfunction include:

• Teeth grinding (bruxism): Chronic clenching puts strain on the jaw muscles and joints.
• Malocclusion (bad bite): Misaligned teeth can affect how your jaw functions.
• Injury or trauma: A blow to the jaw or whiplash can displace the joint.
• Stress: Muscle tension from stress often contributes to jaw stiffness.

Identifying the underlying cause is the first step in finding relief and preventing long-term damage.

When to See a Dentist for TMJ Symptoms

Some TMJ symptoms may seem unrelated to your jaw at first. If you experience any of the following, it may be time for an evaluation:

• Frequent headaches or migraines.
• Neck, shoulder, or facial pain.
• Ear ringing or congestion (tinnitus).
• Jaw locking, especially when eating or yawning.
• Difficulty chewing or swallowing.
• Tingling in the fingers.
• Sleep disturbances or insomnia.

Neuromuscular dentists, like Dr. McDowell, assess both your symptoms and your bite to determine if TMJ disorder is the root cause.

How Neuromuscular Dentistry Helps with TMJ

At McDowell Dental & Aesthetics, TMJ treatment begins by relaxing the muscles using a TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) unit. This helps break the cycle of tension and allows the jaw to return to its natural resting position. Once relaxed, your jaw’s ideal alignment is evaluated.

Treatment options may include:

• Custom orthotic devices: Worn to reposition the jaw.
• Bite adjustments or restorations: Realigns teeth to support better jaw function.
• Botox for TMJ: Helps relax overactive muscles contributing to jaw pain.

Every treatment plan is personalized to match the patient’s symptoms and lifestyle.

Stop Ignoring What Your Jaw Is Telling You

Unexplained clicking, locking, or jaw pain isn’t something to ignore. Call 215-885-0555 to schedule an appointment and discover how TMJ treatment can help relieve your symptoms and restore your function.