Jaw pain in Ottawa can be brief and mild, or it can interfere with eating, speaking, sleep and daily comfort. The jaw joints sit just in front of the ears and work with muscles and ligaments to help you chew, swallow, speak and yawn. When these tissues are irritated or not working comfortably, the problem may be described as a temporomandibular disorder, or TMD.
Jaw pain has many possible causes, so a clicking joint or sore muscle should not be self-diagnosed. A dental assessment can help identify whether teeth, gums, jaw muscles, the bite or the temporomandibular joints may be involved—and whether another health professional should also be consulted.
Common jaw-pain symptoms
The Canadian Dental Association lists pain or tenderness around the ear, jaw joint, face or temples among possible TMD symptoms. Some people have difficulty opening or closing their mouth. Others notice clicking, popping, grinding or crunching when they chew, yawn or open wide.
Headaches and neck discomfort can occur with jaw problems, but they can also have unrelated causes. Joint noises alone do not always mean treatment is required. Pain, reduced movement, locking, swelling or a sudden change in the way the teeth meet deserves more attention.
What may contribute to jaw discomfort?
There is not always one clear cause. Jaw injury and joint disease such as arthritis may play a role. Clenching or grinding the teeth can strain muscles and may worsen symptoms. Stress can be associated with muscle tension, although it is not always clear whether stress causes the problem or results from living with discomfort.
Other contributors can include habits such as chewing pens or fingernails, frequently eating very hard or chewy foods, or wearing dentures that do not fit well. Toothache, dental infection, cracked teeth and gum problems can also be felt as pain in the jaw area. That is why an examination matters.
What you can do while arranging care
For mild, short-lived muscle soreness, the Canadian Dental Association suggests conservative steps such as a warm or cold compress, gentle massage and temporarily choosing softer foods cut into smaller pieces. Avoid hard, sticky or very chewy foods and try not to open the mouth excessively wide.
When the jaw is relaxed, the upper and lower teeth should usually be slightly apart rather than clenched together. Notice whether you are tightening your jaw while working, driving or concentrating, and let the muscles relax. Do not force a locked or very painful jaw open.
Medication is not one-size-fits-all. Ask a dentist, physician or pharmacist before using pain medicine if you have health conditions, take other medications, are pregnant, or are unsure what is safe. Follow the label or professional instructions and do not place medication directly against a tooth or gum.
When to call a dentist promptly
Arrange a dental assessment if pain persists, returns repeatedly, affects chewing or sleep, or is accompanied by tooth sensitivity, a broken tooth, gum swelling or a change in your bite. Also call if your jaw movement is becoming more limited, the joint locks, or you cannot open or close normally.
Seek urgent help for rapidly increasing facial or jaw swelling, fever with dental pain, uncontrolled bleeding, a significant facial injury, or difficulty breathing or swallowing. These symptoms should not wait for an online appointment request. Call the clinic or use appropriate emergency services.
What happens during a dental assessment?
Your dentist will ask about when the pain began, what makes it better or worse, injuries, medical conditions, medications, sleep, clenching and grinding. The examination may include the teeth, gums, bite, jaw movement, muscles and joints. The Canadian Dental Association notes that a routine dental exam can include checking temporomandibular joint function and looking for signs of clenching or grinding.
Imaging is not automatically required for every case. If an X-ray or other test is considered, the decision should be based on the history and examination. Depending on the likely cause, care may focus on protecting teeth, reducing strain, addressing a dental problem or coordinating with another regulated health professional.
Be cautious with quick fixes
Do not assume that every jaw click requires a night guard, bite adjustment or surgery. A custom guard may be recommended for some patients who grind or clench, but it should follow an individualized assessment. Surgery is rarely the first approach for TMD symptoms. Avoid unverified devices or exercises that promise to permanently “realign” the jaw.
Requesting an appointment in Ottawa
Ottawa Smiles Family Dental provides general dental examinations and preventive care at 1935 Bank Street. Clinical care is available in English, Arabic and Spanish. French-speaking reception and administrative support is available; French clinical care is not advertised.
To request an assessment, visit our appointment section or call 613-520-0222. Online requests are normally answered within one business day. For urgent pain, swelling or difficulty opening the mouth, call rather than relying on the website form. You can also review our complete and emergency exam information.
This article provides general educational information and is not a diagnosis or a substitute for personalized advice from a dentist, physician or other regulated health-care professional.
العربية — ملخص
قد يكون ألم الفك مرتبطاً بعضلات الفك أو مفصله أو الأسنان أو اللثة، ولا يمكن تحديد السبب من الأعراض وحدها. اتصل بطبيب الأسنان إذا استمر الألم أو تكرر، أو إذا أصبح فتح الفم أو إغلاقه صعباً، أو ظهرت حساسية أو تورم أو تغير في العضة. في الحالات الخفيفة قد يساعد الطعام الطري وتجنب المضغ القاسي وإرخاء عضلات الفك مؤقتاً. تتوفر الرعاية السريرية باللغة العربية في Ottawa Smiles Family Dental.
Español — Resumen
El dolor de mandíbula puede relacionarse con los músculos, la articulación, los dientes o las encías, y no debe diagnosticarse solo por los síntomas. Solicite una evaluación si el dolor persiste o se repite, si cuesta abrir o cerrar la boca, o si aparecen sensibilidad, hinchazón o cambios en la mordida. Temporalmente, los alimentos blandos y evitar masticar cosas duras pueden ayudar en casos leves. Ottawa Smiles ofrece atención clínica en español dentro de la disponibilidad confirmada de la clínica.
Français — Résumé
Une douleur à la mâchoire peut provenir des muscles, de l’articulation, des dents ou des gencives et ne doit pas être diagnostiquée à partir des symptômes seulement. Demandez une évaluation si la douleur persiste ou revient, si l’ouverture de la bouche devient difficile, ou en présence d’enflure, de sensibilité ou d’un changement de l’occlusion. Ottawa Smiles offre un accueil et un soutien administratif en français; les soins cliniques ne sont pas annoncés comme étant offerts en français.